反面

On the Other Side

Level 3Sounds Like hanmen

The pattern 反面 (はんめん) is used to show that a single person, thing, or situation has two opposing sides—like two sides of the same coin. It is often translated as 'on the other hand' or 'while... at the same time.'

How It Works

反面 (はんめん) literally means 'reverse side' or 'opposite face.' In grammar, it functions as a noun and requires specific connections based on the word preceding it:

  • Verbs: Use the plain form (e.g., 働く反面).
  • い-Adjectives: Use the plain form (e.g., 忙しい反面).
  • な-Adjectives: Use 〜な or 〜である (e.g., 便利な反面 or 便利である反面).
  • Nouns: Use 〜である (e.g., プロである反面).

Key Nuances:
1. Same Subject: The most important rule is that both sides of the contrast must apply to the same subject. You cannot use it to compare two different people.
2. Contradiction: It highlights a tension between two facts. For example, a job might pay well (positive) but be very stressful (negative).
3. Formal Tone: While used in daily life, it carries a slightly more formal or objective tone than けど or が.

Examples (4)

  1. 一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しさを感じることもある。

    While living alone is liberating, there are also times when you feel lonely.

    Word by Word: Living alone as for, free side, loneliness (object) feel thing also exists.

    Here, 'living alone' is the single subject. The two sides are 'freedom' (positive) and 'loneliness' (negative).

  2. この薬はよく効く反面、副作用も強い。

    This medicine is very effective, but on the other hand, the side effects are strong.

    Word by Word: This medicine as for, well works side, side effects also strong.

    The medicine has a positive effect (works well) but a negative drawback (strong side effects).

  3. 都会の生活は便利な反面、生活費が高い。

    City life is convenient, but on the flip side, the cost of living is high.

    Word by Word: City life as for, convenient side, living expenses are high.

    The convenience of the city is contrasted with the high cost of living.

  4. 彼は優れた指導者である反面、家庭では厳しい父親だ。

    While he is an excellent leader, he is a strict father at home.

    Word by Word: He as for, excellent leader is side, at home strict father is.

    This shows two different roles/personalities of the same person using the 〜である connection for a noun.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 反面 to compare two different subjects.

    兄は背が高い反面、弟は低い。
    兄は背が高い一方で、弟は低い。

    反面 cannot be used to compare two different people (older brother vs. younger brother). Use 一方で for comparing different subjects.

  • Forgetting the 'na' for na-adjectives.

    この町は静か反面、不便だ。
    この町は静かな反面、不便だ。

    Since 反面 acts like a noun, な-adjectives must use the 〜な connector.

How It Connects

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

反面Level 3On the Other Side

Learn This First

To understand '反面' (on the other hand), you need to know how to modify nouns with verbs and adjectives, as '反面' acts as a noun in the sentence structure. You should also be familiar with basic contrastive grammar to appreciate how this pattern sets a positive and negative aspect against each other.

Words in This Pattern