反
fǎn
Against, reverse
反倒 (fǎn dǎo) — on the contrary
Subj. + 反倒 (fǎndào) + Verb / Adj. (result opposite to expectation)
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what反倒Adjective
Rule structure
反倒 (fǎndào) is an adverb introducing a result that is opposite to what was expected or desired. It usually comes after the subject and before the verb or adjective. It often highlights annoyance or surprise.
Rule structure
反倒 (fǎndào) is an adverb introducing a result that is opposite to what was expected or desired. It usually comes after the subject and before the verb or adjective. It often highlights annoyance or surprise.
Examples
我帮了他，他反倒生气了。
Wǒ bāng le tā, tā fǎndào shēngqì le.
I helped him, but he got angry instead.
Examples
我帮了他，他反倒生气了。
Wǒ bāng le tā, tā fǎndào shēngqì le.
I helped him, but he got angry instead.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “on the contrary” in Chinese with 反倒?
Use the structure: Subj. + 反倒 (fǎndào) + Verb / Adj. (result opposite to expectation). For example: 我帮了他，他反倒生气了。 — “I helped him, but he got angry instead”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我帮了他，他反倒生气了。 — “I helped him, but he got angry instead”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase