にひきかえ (ni-hikikae): In contrast to; unlike
～にひきかえ (ni-hikikae)
Meaning
In contrast to; unlike
Formation and usage
N／nominalized clause + にひきかえ
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Highlights a sharp contrast, often with the speaker evaluating one side more favorably.
Examples
昨年にひきかえ、今年の会議は順調だった。
In contrast to last year, this year's event, the meeting, went smoothly.
昨年にひきかえ、今年の試験は順調だった。
In contrast to last year, this year's event, the exam, went smoothly.
昨年にひきかえ、今年の研修は順調だった。
In contrast to last year, this year's event, the training session, went smoothly.
昨年にひきかえ、今年の発表会は順調だった。
In contrast to last year, this year's event, the presentation event, went smoothly.
昨年にひきかえ、今年の面接は順調だった。
In contrast to last year, this year's event, the interview, went smoothly.
How related patterns differ
一方で and 反面 present two sides; にひきかえ highlights a sharp, often evaluative contrast. わりに compares a result with expectations. といい～といい gives representative features, while というか～というか searches for a suitable description.