This phrase means something goes against what you expect. It shows something is different from a rule or a wish.
Noun + に反してPrimary
This phrase means something goes against what you expect. It shows something is different from a rule or a wish.
専門家の予想に反して、株価は急落した。
Contrary to the experts' predictions, the stock prices plummeted.
両親の期待に反して、彼は大学に進学しなかった。
Contrary to his parents' expectations, he did not go on to university.
その選手は、監督の命令に反して独自のプレーを続けた。
That player, against the coach's orders, continued with his own style of play.
私たちの願いに反して、明日は雨が降るらしい。
Contrary to our wishes, it seems it will rain tomorrow.
会社の規則に反して副業をすることは、多くの企業で認められていません。
Doing a side job against company rules is not permitted in many corporations.
This phrase is like wearing a suit and tie. You use it for serious writing or speeches. It can sound too formal for talking with friends.
This is different from 'にもかかわらず' (nimo kakawarazu). 'にもかかわらず' means something happened even though there was a condition. The result is not always the opposite. '〜に反して' means the result is the exact opposite of what you expected or planned.
Don't use this when talking about physical things. For example, you can't say "against the chair."
Contrasts with(3)
Less formal alternatives(1)
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