一方面...另一方面...

On One Hand on the Other

Level 5Sounds Like jat1 fong1 min6 . . . ling6 jat1 fong1 min6 . . .

Use 一方面...另一方面... (jat1 fong1 min6... ling6 jat1 fong1 min6...) to say 'on one hand... on the other hand...' in formal contexts. It helps you weigh two different sides of an argument or situation.

How It Works

1. Structure and Subject Placement
The placement of the subject depends on whether both clauses share the same subject:

  • Same Subject: [Subject] + 一方面...，另一方面...
    Example: 佢一方面想慳錢，另一方面又想住得好。
  • Different Subjects: 一方面 + [Subject A]...，另一方面 + [Subject B]...
    Example: 一方面係因為太忙，另一方面係因為我唔舒服。

2. The Role of Adverbs
In natural Cantonese, the second clause often includes a reinforcing adverb like 又 (jau6 - 'also/again'), 亦 (jik6 - 'also'), or 仲 (zung6 - 'still/furthermore'). Leaving them out is still correct, as in the reasons example below.

3. Register and Usage
This is a high-register pattern. You will encounter it in written Cantonese, formal speeches, news reports, and academic discussions. In casual daily conversation, speakers prefer simpler connectors like 同埋 (tung4 maai4) or 一嚟...二嚟... (jat1 lei4... ji6 lei4...).

Examples (4)

  1. 佢一方面想慳錢，另一方面又想住得好。

    On one hand he wants to save money; on the other hand, he wants to live well.

    Word by Word: He one side want save money, other one side also want live [result] well.

    Since the subject 'he' (佢) applies to both actions, it is placed before the first '一方面'.

  2. 呢個政策一方面可以減輕交通壓力，另一方面亦都對環境有益。

    This policy can reduce traffic pressure on one hand, and is also beneficial to the environment on the other.

    Word by Word: This [CL] policy one side can reduce traffic pressure, other one side also to environment have benefit.

    Here, the pattern is used to list two positive, complementary benefits of a single policy.

  3. 一方面係因為太忙，另一方面係因為我唔舒服，所以我琴日冇去。

    On one hand it was because I was too busy, and on the other because I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't go yesterday.

    Word by Word: One side is because too busy, other one side is because I not comfortable, so I yesterday not go.

    This example shows the pattern used to provide two distinct reasons for an outcome.

  4. 一方面佢好勤力，另一方面佢亦都好有天份。

    On one hand he is very hardworking, and on the other hand he is also very talented.

    Word by Word: One side he very hardworking, other one side he also very have talent.

    Using '一方面' at the start of the clause is also acceptable even with the same subject, though placing the subject first is more common.

Common Mistakes

  • Thinking 一方面 must be repeated in the second clause.

    Different Meaning一方面佢好忙，一方面佢冇錢。
    一方面佢好忙，另一方面佢又冇錢。

    一方面…，一方面… is also heard, but 另一方面 (ling6 jat1 fong1 min6) is the standard partner and marks the other side clearly. Adding 又 as well, as in 另一方面佢又冇錢, is common.

  • Using the pattern for simultaneous physical actions.

    佢一方面食飯，一方面睇電視。
    佢一邊食飯，一邊睇電視。

    For physical multitasking, use '一邊...一邊...' (jat1 bin1... jat1 bin1...). '一方面' is reserved for abstract aspects or arguments.

  • Thinking the second clause is wrong without a reinforcing adverb.

    Different Meaning一方面佢好忙，另一方面佢冇錢。
    一方面佢好忙，另一方面佢仲冇錢。

    一方面佢好忙，另一方面佢冇錢 is a fine sentence. Adding an adverb such as 又 (jau6), 亦 (jik6) or 仲 (zung6) is common and adds a little emphasis, for example 仲 means that he still has no money.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

一方面...另一方面...Level 5On One Hand on the Other

Learn This First

To understand '一方面...另一方面...', you need to be comfortable with basic conjunctions and linking structures in Cantonese. This pattern functions as a formal way to enumerate two sides of a situation, similar to 'on one hand... on the other hand' in English.

Words in This Pattern