代わりに
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
Instead of
In place of
In exchange for
Usage
Noun + の代わりに
Verb (dictionary form) + 代わりに
い-adjective/な-adjective + の代わりに
Explanation
代わりに is used to express substituting one thing for another. It emphasizes that one option is taking the place of another, often due to a choice, change, or compensation. It can imply a trade‑off: one thing is done or used in place of something else, or something is given as a substitute or replacement. Common contexts include: when someone fills in for another person, when paying or exchanging one thing for another, or when describing a different option used instead of the usual one. Note that the phrase attaches to the substitute item or action (the thing doing the substituting is the subject), and the thing being replaced is introduced by the particle の before 代わりに in noun phrases, or the verb form precedes 代わりに in verb phrases.
彼が欠席したので、私の代わりに彼女がプレゼンをした。
かれがけっせきしたので、わたしのかわりにかのじょがプレゼンをした。
He was absent, so she gave the presentation in his place.
この店は私の代わりにクレジットカードで支払った。
このみせはわたしのかわりにクレジットカードでしはらった。
At this shop I paid with a credit card instead of cash.
私の代わりに兄が留守番をする。
わたしのかわりにあにがるすばんをする。
My brother will stay at home in my place.
今日は私の代わりに君が行ってくれない？
きょうはわたしのかわりにきみがいってくれない？
Could you go today in my place?