N3 Grammar ⑱　かわりに

Instead of / in return for / but as a trade-off

'I attended the meeting in my father's place.' 'The pay is low, but in return there's no overtime.' 'Thank you for helping — here's some cake.' Three meanings, one pattern.

What you'll learn

• ① Substitution: 'in place of ~' — taking someone else's role
• ② Trade-off: 'but in return' — a drawback balanced by a benefit
• ③ Return favour: 'in return for ~' — giving back as thanks or compensation
• Context determines which meaning — always read the full sentence

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