かえって (kaette): Contrary to expectations

Contrary to expectations; instead; rather

State the expectation or intention, then use かえって before the contrary result. No special conjugation is required.

Use this adverb when the actual result runs against an expectation or original intention. The unexpected result can be positive or negative. It does not require a special verb conjugation.

早く寝ようとしたのに、かえって目がさえてしまいました。

I tried to go to bed early, but ended up feeling more awake.

近道をしたら、かえって時間がかかりました。

Taking a shortcut actually took longer.

説明を増やすと、かえって分かりにくくなります。

Adding more explanation can actually make it harder to understand.

雨の日は人が少なくて、かえってゆっくり見学できます。

On rainy days there are fewer people, so you can actually look around at leisure.

手伝うつもりが、かえって迷惑をかけてしまいました。

I meant to help, but ended up causing trouble instead.