di sisi lain
On the Other Hand
Di sisi lain is a formal connector used to present a different angle, a balanced argument, or a contrasting fact. It is the Indonesian equivalent of 'on the other hand'.
How It Works
Di sisi lain is a fixed prepositional phrase that has become a staple of formal Indonesian analytical writing and speech.
Key characteristics include:
- Orthography: Because 'sisi' is a noun meaning 'side', the word di must be written with a space. Avoid the common mistake of joining them as 'disisi'.
- Analytical Nuance: Unlike simple contrast markers like tetapi (but), which express contrast more generally, di sisi lain suggests that a topic is multi-faceted. It presents both points as relevant to the discussion; they may be claims or possibilities rather than independently established facts. For direct reversals or opposites, sebaliknya is often preferred.
- Placement: While it most commonly starts a new sentence to transition between ideas, it can also appear within a sentence or major clause, often following a comma. When bridging clauses mid-sentence, it is frequently preceded by conjunctions like sementara (while) or sedangkan (whereas), for example, '..., sementara di sisi lain,...'. In the standard detached sentence-connector model, use Di sisi lain, ... . The phrase can also refer literally to another physical side; do not extend this punctuation rule to every initial locative phrase.
- Pairing: It is frequently, though not always, preceded by the phrase di satu sisi (on the one hand) to create a balanced structure. A common formal synonym is di pihak lain, which is often used when discussing different stakeholders or parties.
- Register: It is highly common in journalism, academic essays, and professional presentations. In casual conversation, speakers might prefer tapi or sedangkan for simple contrast. Note that padahal is not a direct synonym, as it implies a discrepancy or contradiction between expectation and reality.
Perspective Versus Reversal: Dia tidak suka kopi. Di sisi lain, dia suka teh can introduce a different preference and is not ungrammatical. Sebaliknya makes the reversal more explicit. A different perspective can also add a complementary consideration rather than oppose the first point.
Examples (4)
- Di satu sisi, teknologi mempermudah komunikasi; di sisi lain, ia dapat mengurangi interaksi sosial secara tatap muka.
On the one hand, technology simplifies communication; on the other hand, it can reduce face-to-face social interaction.
Word by Word: At one side, technology make-easy communication; at side other, it can reduce interaction social in-way face meet face.
This shows the classic balanced pairing of 'di satu sisi' and 'di sisi lain' to compare two effects of technology.
- Pemerintah ingin meningkatkan investasi asing. Di sisi lain, perlindungan terhadap pengusaha lokal tetap harus diprioritaskan.
The government wants to increase foreign investment. On the other hand, protection for local entrepreneurs must still be prioritized.
Word by Word: Government want increase investment foreign. At side other, protection towards entrepreneur local stay must be-prioritized.
Here, the phrase introduces a competing priority that the government must consider alongside its primary goal.
- Penelitian ini menunjukkan hasil positif. Di sisi lain, terdapat beberapa kendala metodologis yang perlu diperhatikan.
This research shows positive results. On the other hand, there are several methodological obstacles that need to be noted.
Word by Word: Research this show result positive. At side other, there-are several obstacle methodological which need be-noticed.
In an academic context, this phrase is used to provide a balanced critique of the research findings.
- Dia sangat berbakat dalam seni. Di sisi lain, dia kurang tertarik pada mata pelajaran sains.
He/she is very talented in art. On the other hand, he/she is less interested in science subjects.
Word by Word: He/she very talented in art. At side other, he/she less interested in subject science.
This uses the phrase to contrast two different traits or preferences of a single person.
Common Mistakes
Writing 'di sisi' as a single word 'disisi'.
Disisi lain, dia sangat rajin.Di sisi lain, dia sangat rajin.In Indonesian, 'di' functions as a preposition when it indicates location or position. Since 'sisi' (side) is a noun, it must be separated by a space. Writing it as a prefix 'disisi' is a common orthographic error.
Omitting the comma after the phrase in formal writing.
Di sisi lain kita harus pergi.Di sisi lain, kita harus pergi.Use a comma after di sisi lain in this detached sentence-connector model. This advice does not classify every literal location phrase beginning with di sisi lain as a sentence connector.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'di sisi lain', a learner needs to be familiar with the basic locative preposition 'di' and how adjectives like 'lain' follow the nouns they modify.
- diLocation with Di
The phrase 'di sisi lain' uses the preposition 'di' to establish the metaphorical location of the perspective being introduced.
Level 1 - Adjectives follow nouns
The phrase follows the standard Indonesian noun-adjective word order where 'sisi' (side) is modified by 'lain' (other).
Level 1
Related Patterns
- namunSentence-level Contrast with Namun
Both are sentence-level connectors, but 'namun' is a general 'however', while 'di sisi lain' specifically introduces a different perspective.
Level 4 - sebaliknyaConversely
'Sebaliknya' means 'conversely' or 'on the contrary' and is used for direct opposites, whereas 'di sisi lain' is for broader alternative viewpoints.
Level 5 - sedangkanBalanced Contrast with Sedangkan
'Sedangkan' also shows contrast but is used to connect two clauses within a single sentence, while 'di sisi lain' usually starts a new sentence.
Level 4 - padahalContradictory Background with Padahal
'Padahal' introduces a contrasting fact that is often surprising or contradictory to the previous statement.
Level 4 - tetapiContrast with Tetapi
The most basic word for 'but', used for simple contrast within a sentence.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
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