About

The word "反而" is formed by combining the character "反", meaning "opposite" or "reverse", with the character "而", a conjunctive particle that indicates transition or contrast; this combination yields an adverb expressing an unexpected or contrary result, equivalent to "on the contrary" or "instead".

Example Sentences Hide

我帮他，他反而生气。

Wǒ bāng tā, tā fǎn'ér shēngqì.

I helped him, but he got angry instead.

天气不好，我反而想去散步。

Tiānqì bù hǎo, wǒ fǎn'ér xiǎng qù sànbù.

The weather is bad, but I want to go for a walk instead.

他不仅没有道歉，反而指责我。

Tā bùjǐn méiyǒu dàoqiàn, fǎn'ér zhǐzé wǒ.

He not only didn't apologize, but instead blamed me.

适当的压力反而能提高工作效率。

Shìdàng de yālì fǎn'ér néng tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ.

Appropriate pressure can instead improve work efficiency.

鉴于以往的经验，这次失败反而让我们更清醒。

Jiànyú yǐwǎng de jīngyàn, zhè cì shībài fǎn'ér ràng wǒmen gèng qīngxǐng.

In light of past experience, this failure instead made us more clear-headed.

Word Definition - 反而

fǎn ér instead; on the contrary; contrary (to expectations)

Individual Character Details

反 fǎn
而 ér