かえって

• Reading: かえって
• Romaji: kaette
• Kanji breakdown: 却 (kyaku) — retreat, on the contrary (kanji form 却って is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /ka.et.te/

Meaning

On the contrary; rather; instead; all the more. Indicates an unexpected opposite result.

An adverb expressing that the actual outcome is the opposite of what was expected or intended. Often used when an action backfires: 薬を飲んだらかえって悪くなった (I took medicine but it got worse instead). Different from むしろ, which presents a preference — かえって highlights a surprising reversal.

Examples

1. 手伝おうとしたが、かえって邪魔になった。 I tried to help, but I just got in the way instead.
2. 説明を聞いたらかえって混乱してしまった。 After hearing the explanation, I ended up even more confused.
3. 休みすぎるとかえって疲れることがある。 Resting too much can actually make you more tired.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, writing, narrative

Tone: surprised

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 却って, from 却 (kyaku, retreat/on the contrary). The kanji suggests a pulling-back or reversal. The hiragana form is standard in modern usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal