Noun / Clause + (の) にひきかえ

[In contrast to; unlike]

Connection: Noun / Clause + (の) にひきかえ

Usage: Used to highlight a stark contrast between two things, often with a nuance of surprise, criticism, or disappointment about one of the items being compared. More literary and emphatic than に対して or 一方.

Similar expressions:

• に対して = neutral contrast
• 一方 = neutral contrast
• にひきかえ = emotional/judgmental contrast

Examples:

兄の真面目さにひきかえ、弟は遊んでばかりいる。(In contrast to the older brother's seriousness, the younger brother does nothing but play.)

去年の好景気にひきかえ、今年は不況が続いている。(In contrast to last year's boom, this year the recession continues.)

姉が優等生なのにひきかえ、私はいつも成績が悪かった。(In contrast to my sister being an honor student, I always had poor grades.)