反而

• Pinyin: fǎn ér
• Hanzi breakdown: 反 = a hand turning over (indicating reversal); 而 = classical conjunction — together meaning 'contrarily'

Meaning

On the contrary; instead; contrary to expectation. Used to indicate that the result is the opposite of what was expected.

An adverb that introduces an unexpected or contrary outcome. It signals that what actually happened is the opposite of what one would logically expect. Often paired with 不但不…反而… (not only didn't… but instead…) or 没有…反而… (didn't… but instead…) patterns.

Examples

1. 吃了药以后，他的病反而更严重了。 After taking the medicine, his illness actually got worse instead.
2. 我越解释，她反而越生气。 The more I explained, the angrier she got instead.
3. 这次考试没复习，成绩反而比上次好。 I didn't study for this exam, but my score was actually better than last time.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, written, argumentation

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 下了雨，天气反而更热了。(It rained, but the weather got even hotter instead.)
• 他不但没道歉，反而怪我。(He not only didn't apologize, but blamed me instead.)

Don't Say

• 我很累，反而去睡觉了 (Don't use 反而 for expected outcomes — sleeping when tired is logical; use 所以 or 就 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 反 (opposite/contrary) and 而 (conjunction particle), literally meaning 'contrarily' or 'on the opposite side.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal