on the other hand, while

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates contrast or parallel situation.

[Plain form] + 一方で/一方

彼は頭がいい一方で、運動は苦手だ。

Kare wa atama ga ii ippou de, undou wa nigate da.

While he is smart, he is not good at sports.

給料は上がった一方、仕事も増えた。

Kyuuryou wa agatta ippou, shigoto mo fueta.

While salary went up, work also increased.

Can show contrast or addition.

～反面

on the other hand, while

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Great for showing two sides of something.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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