N + 대신에 / V + -는 대신에 – Instead of / In Compensation for

Conjugation & Pattern

• Noun: N + 대신(에)
• Verb: V + -는 대신(에) (Instead of doing V / In exchange for doing V)
• Adjective: A + -(으)ㄴ 대신(에) (Compensatory contrast: while it is A, on the other hand...)

Detailed Usage

Has two main uses: (1) Replacing one noun or action with another ('instead of...'); (2) Expressing compensation or trade-off between two clauses ('in return for...' or 'while X, on the plus side Y').

Example Sentences

1. 1

   요즘은 편지를 쓰는 대신에 이메일을 보냅니다.

   Yojeumeun pyeonjireul sseuneun daesine imeireul bonaemnida.

   Nowadays, people send emails instead of writing letters.

2. 2

   오늘 피곤해서 밖에 나가는 대신에 집에서 쉬었어요.

   Oneul pigonhaeseo bakke naganeun daesine jibeseo swieosseoyo.

   Because I was tired today, I rested at home instead of going out.

3. 3

   이 식당은 값이 조금 비싼 대신에 음식이 아주 맛있어요.

   I sikdangeun gapsi jogeum bissan daesine eumsigi aju masisseoyo.

   This restaurant is a bit pricey, but on the plus side, the food is delicious.