Grammar
N2 connective

Instead of / in exchange 〜かわりに

Meaning

"Instead of ~"; "in exchange for ~"; "in return".

Formation

Notes

Three shades in one form: substitution (バターのかわりに), compensation (給料は安いかわりに休みが多い), and acting in someone's place (父のかわりに).

Examples

I used olive oil instead of butter.

Breakdown
butter instead of olive oil used

The pay is low, but in exchange there is plenty of time off.

Breakdown
salary low / cheap in exchange holidays are many

I attended the meeting in my father's place.

Breakdown
father in place of meeting attended

In return for your help, I will buy you lunch.

Breakdown
receive help in return for lunch will treat you to

This room is small, but the rent is cheap to compensate.

Breakdown
room cramped in exchange rent is cheap

⚠️ Often confused with

While / on the one hand 〜一方(で)

"While ~", "on the one hand ~, on the other …" — two sides of one situation.

On the flip side 〜反面

"On the other hand ~" — two opposite qualities of the same thing.

Contrary to 〜に反して

"Contrary to ~", "against ~".

Far from 〜どころか

"Far from ~"; "let alone ~" — the reality is well beyond, or well short of, what was said.