〜とは裏腹: meaning and usage

How to form it

• noun+とは/と+裏腹に
• noun+とは/と+裏腹の/裏腹な+noun

How it is used

A and B are the exact opposite: words versus feelings, appearance versus reality, hopes versus results (「本心とは裏腹に」). Used in speech and writing. 「〜に反して」 is mostly about going against expectations or plans.

Examples

1. 彼は、課長の言うこととは裏腹に真面目な男だった。

   Contrary to what the section manager said (about him), he was a serious person.

2. 彼女は口では平気だと言ったが、その言葉とは裏腹に顔は不安そうだった。

   She said she was fine, but contrary to her words, she looked anxious.

3. 期待とは裏腹に、新しい店の料理はあまりおいしくなかった。

   Contrary to our expectations, the food at the new restaurant wasn't very good.