một mặt ... mặt khác ...
On One Hand, On the Other
Một mặt ... mặt khác ... translates to "on one hand... on the other hand...". Literally, mặt means "face" or "side" (một mặt = one side, mặt khác = other side). It is a formal discourse connector used to present two distinct facets of a single issue, giving equal rhetorical weight to both sides.
How It Works
While often taught strictly as a contrastive conjunction (introducing opposing points), it is equally common and natural to use it for adding complementary points, acting similarly to "furthermore" or "moreover". When listing complementary points, the second clause typically includes cũng or đồng thời (e.g., Một mặt [A], mặt khác cũng [B]).
Because Vietnamese relies heavily on topic-comment structures, this pattern frequently pairs with other markers for better flow:
- With thì: Một mặt thì..., mặt khác thì...
- With nhưng for contrast: Một mặt..., nhưng mặt khác...
- With lại for contrast: Một mặt [A], mặt khác lại [B] (this is arguably the most natural and frequent marker to emphasize a contrastive point).
A key requirement when using this pattern is parallelism: the clauses or phrases following một mặt and mặt khác generally need to be logically and grammatically parallel.
Speakers often drop the first Một mặt entirely. When used independently at the beginning of a sentence, mặt khác can mean both "On the other hand" (contrastive) and "Furthermore" or "Besides" (complementary), depending on the context.
Examples (4)
- Một mặt, chúng ta cần phát triển kinh tế; mặt khác, chúng ta phải bảo vệ môi trường.
On one hand, we need to develop the economy; on the other hand, we must protect the environment.
Word by Word: One face, we need develop economy; face other, we must protect environment.
A classic formal sentence balancing two opposing priorities using clause-initial placement.
- Một mặt tôi thích sống ở thành phố, nhưng mặt khác, ồn ào quá!
On one hand I love living in the city, but on the other hand, it's too noisy!
Word by Word: One face I like live at city, but face other, noisy too!
Notice the addition of "nhưng" (but) to emphasize the contrast between the two points.
- Dự án này một mặt khả thi về tài chính, mặt khác cũng có lợi cho cộng đồng.
This project is, on one hand, financially feasible, and on the other hand, beneficial to the community.
Word by Word: Project this one face feasible about finance, face other also have benefit for community.
Demonstrates that the pattern can introduce complementary (non-contrasting) benefits, sharing a single subject.
- Một mặt thì anh ấy rất thông minh, mặt khác thì lại thiếu kinh nghiệm.
On one hand he is very smart, on the other hand he lacks experience.
Word by Word: One face then he very smart, face other then again lack experience.
Using "thì" helps balance the rhythm of the two clauses, making the sentence flow more naturally.
Common Mistakes
Translating the English idiom literally.
Trên một tay, tôi muốn đi, trên tay kia, tôi không có tiền.Một mặt tôi muốn đi, mặt khác tôi không có tiền.Do not translate "on one hand" literally as "trên một tay" (which physically means on a literal hand or arm). Vietnamese uses "mặt" (face/aspect).
Confusing it with "một phần... một phần..." for causes.
Một mặt vì trời mưa, mặt khác vì tôi mệt nên tôi ở nhà.Một phần vì trời mưa, một phần vì tôi mệt nên tôi ở nhà.Use "một phần ... một phần ..." to list partial causes that together lead to an outcome. "Một mặt ... mặt khác ..." is mainly for presenting two facets or sides of a situation, so it sounds odd when you only list two causes.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The pattern 'một mặt ... mặt khác ...' is a formal structure used to present two sides of an issue, similar to 'on one hand... on the other hand' in English. To use it effectively, learners should already be comfortable with basic conjunctions, the concept of formal Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary, and simpler ways of expressing dual aspects.
- nhưngBut
The pattern 'một mặt ... mặt khác ...' functions as a contrastive or additive conjunction similar to 'but' or 'however', requiring a basic understanding of how to link two opposing or complementary ideas.
Level 1 - Sino-Vietnamese And Native Words
This pattern is formal and uses Sino-Vietnamese roots (mặt - face/aspect). Understanding the distinction between formal and informal vocabulary helps the learner use this pattern in the correct context.
Foundations - vừa ... vừa ...Both ... and / While Doing
This is a simpler, more common way to express two simultaneous aspects or actions. Learning 'vừa ... vừa ...' provides the conceptual foundation for the more formal 'một mặt ... mặt khác ...'.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- tuy ... nhưng ...Although ... Still ...
While "một mặt... mặt khác..." treats both sides equally as coordinate points, "tuy... nhưng..." is concessive, subordinating one point to emphasize the other.
Level 2 - không những ... mà còn ...Not Only ... but Also ...
Both patterns can be used to add complementary points, but "không những... mà còn..." strictly builds emphasis, whereas "một mặt... mặt khác..." simply lists distinct aspects.
Level 3 - còn ... thì ...As for
In casual speech, native speakers often drop the formal "một mặt" and just use "còn" to introduce the second aspect or contrasting point.
Level 3 - nói riêng ... nói chungIn Particular and in General
Another formal, coordinate discourse connector used to structure complex arguments and perspectives in essays and news.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice một mặt ... mặt khác ... in Bubblegum
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