# に反して: contrary to; against

> Learn how to use に反して, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning contrary to; against, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ni-hanshite/

**に反して** means **contrary to; against**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show that something goes against expectations, rules, or wishes**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral to formal** Japanese. If you want to **show that something goes against expectations, rules, or wishes**, **に反して** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does に反して mean?

Use **に反して** when you want to **show that something goes against expectations, rules, or wishes**.

Natural translations include:
- contrary to; against

## How to form に反して

Noun + に反して

Examples of the pattern:
- 予想に反して
- 期待に反して
- 規則に反して

## When is に反して used?

Use **に反して** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral to formal
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## に反して example sentences

- 予想に反して、試験は簡単だった。 — Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
- 期待に反して、売り上げは伸びなかった。 — Contrary to expectations, sales did not grow.
- 規則に反して、彼は中に入った。 — Against the rules, he went inside.
- 親の願いに反して、彼女は一人で海外へ行った。 — Contrary to her parents’ wishes, she went abroad alone.
- 天気予報に反して、晴れた。 — Contrary to the weather forecast, it became sunny.

## Nuance of に反して

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “contrary to; against” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **に反して** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[に対して](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## に反して vs に対して

Both **に反して** and **[に対して](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**に反して**:
- means **contrary to; against**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[に対して](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/)**:
- に対して means toward/in contrast with; に反して means contrary to or against

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 予想に反して、試験は簡単だった。 — Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[に対して](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with に反して

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using に反して with the wrong form
- Confusing に反して with に対して
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is に反して on the JLPT?

Yes. **に反して** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for に反して

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using に反して.
- Contrast に反して with に対して.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for に反して

To learn **に反して** efficiently, review basic particles like について and に, then focus on the relationship each formal marker creates.

1. First, make sure you can form **に反して** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/), [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write reading-style sentences about society, research, policy, opinions, and reports; then check whether replacing **に反して** with [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [に関する / に関して](/blog/n3-ni-kan-suru/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.

## Learn に反して with Hane

If you want to review **に反して** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)