Definition
相反 (xiāng fǎn) means 'opposite, contrary' as an adjective, and 'on the contrary' as a conjunction. Unlike 反而 (fǎn'ér, HSK5), which is an adverb stressing a result opposite to expectation, 相反 is a neutral connector. 反之 (fǎn zhī, HSK7) is a more formal conjunction used in written arguments.
adjective
oppositecontrary
conjunction
on the contraryinstead
Examples
- 相反。Tāmen de yìjiàn zhènghǎo xiāng fǎn.Their opinions are exactly opposite.
- 相反。Tā de xiǎngfǎ yǔ wǒ de wánquán xiāng fǎn.His idea is completely contrary to mine.
- 相反，。xiāng fǎn, wǒ juéde nǐ yīnggāi zǎo diǎn xiūxi.On the contrary, I think you should rest early.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.