JLPT N2 Grammar – Difference between “〜一方で” and “〜反面”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜一方” and “”〜反面“
2. A一方でB
3. A反面B
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “〜一方で” and “〜反面“?
A: Both words are used to contrast two things, but there are differences in how they contrast.
We will explain in detail the common points and differences.
A一方でB (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
① Describes two contrasting things
② Performing two different things simultaneously
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form＋一方（で）
[A] い adjective＋一方（で）
[Na] な adjective＋一方（で）
な adjective ＋である＋一方（で）
[N] Noun + である＋一方（で）
*The “で” in “一方で” can sometimes be omitted.
[Point]
It can be used to contrast two aspects of one thing or to contrast two different things.
[Examples]
[V] 先生には厳しくしかられた一方、ほめられることも多かったです。
While I was often strictly scolded by the teacher, I was also praised frequently.
[A] 日本での生活はさびしい一方で楽しいこともあります。
Life in Japan is lonely, but on the other hand, there are also enjoyable aspects.
[Na] 仕事は大変な一方でおもしろさも感じています。
Work is tough, but at the same time, I’m finding it interesting.
[N] 午前中は学生である一方で午後は病院で仕事をしています。
In the morning, I am a student, while in the afternoon, I work at a hospital.
A反面B (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Contrasts two opposing aspects of one thing.
Examples: good points and bad points, strengths and weaknesses, etc.
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form＋反面
[A] い adjective＋反面
[Na] な adjective＋反面
な adjective ＋である＋反面
[N] Noun＋である＋反面
[Point]
It cannot be used to contrast two different things.
[Examples]
[V] スマホやパソコンは生活が便利になる反面、人とのコミュニケーションを奪っています。
While smartphones and computers make life more convenient, they also take away personal communication.
[A] わたしは人の前では明るい反面、一人になると寂しさを感じています。
I appear cheerful in front of others, but on the contrary, I feel lonely when I’m alone.
[Na] この家は駅からも遠いし不便な反面、自然を楽しめるのがとてもいいです。
This house is far from the station and inconvenient, but on the contrary, you can enjoy nature, which is very nice.
[N] 木村さんはいい上司である反面、家では怖いお母さんらしいよ。
Ms. Kimura is a good boss, but on the contrary, she seems to be a strict mother at home.
Let’s Compare
[Cases where substitution is possible]
When contrasting two aspects of one thing, substitution is possible.
In such cases, using either term is natural.
However, if you are gently contrasting the two, use “〜一方で”. If you consider the two aspects to have opposing tendencies or characteristics, use “〜反面“.
When you think of the two as being in opposition, using “〜反面” emphasizes this contrast.
[Examples]
日本での生活はさびしい一方で楽しいこともあります。
Life in Japan is lonely, but on the other hand, there are also enjoyable aspects.
日本での生活はさびしい反面、楽しいこともあります。
Life in Japan is lonely, but on the contrary, there are also enjoyable things.
彼の言うことを信じたい一方で、信じられない気持ちもあります。
I want to believe what he says, but on the other hand, I also feel like I can’t trust him.
彼の言うことを信じたい反面、信じられない気持ちもあります。
I want to believe what he says, but on the contrary, I also feel like I can’t trust him.
[Cases where substitution is not possible]
“～一方で” can be used to contrast two aspects of one thing as well as to contrast two different things. However, “～反面” can only be used when contrasting two aspects of one thing.
[Examples]
この姉妹は、お姉さんが医者として働いている一方で、妹は仕事もせず毎日遊んでいます。
The older sister works as a doctor, while the younger sister does not work and spends her days doing nothing.
⇒ This sentence pattern can be used when describing two different people, such as an older sister and a younger sister.この姉妹は、お姉さんが医者として働いている反面、妹は仕事もせず毎日遊んでいます。
⇒ Since it describes two different people, “反面” cannot be used.
Additionally, “A一方でB” is used when A and B are occurring and coexisting in parallel. This cannot be substituted with “〜反面“.
[Examples]
午前中は学生である一方で午後は病院で仕事をしています。
In the morning, I am a student, while in the afternoon, I work at a hospital.
⇒ Both studying and working are being accomplished.
この会社はレストランを経営する一方、料理教室も開いています。
This company runs a restaurant, and at the same time, they also hold cooking classes.
⇒ The management of the restaurant and the operation of the cooking class are being carried out in parallel.
Summary
[A一方でB]
- It can be used to contrast two aspects of one thing or to contrast two different things.
- In both cases, it gently contrasts the two matters.
- It is also used when two things are happening simultaneously.
[A反面B ]
- It is used to contrast two opposing aspects of one thing, emphasizing the differences.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 一方で
彼女はモデルである一方で俳優としても活躍しています。
She is active as an actor while also being a model.
*Since the two professions of model and actor are simultaneously established, “一方で” is correct.
A. 一方で
兄がスポーツで活躍する一方で、弟は学業で優秀な成績を残しています。
While the older brother excels in sports, the younger brother achieves outstanding academic results.
*Since it is contrasting two different people, an older brother and a younger brother, “一方で” is appropriate.
A. 一方で
リーさんは日本語が話せる一方で、英語も話せます。
Mr. Lee can speak Japanese, and at the same time, he can also speak English.
*Since the situation where two languages, Japanese and English, are spoken simultaneously is established, “一方で” is correct.
A. 反面
この仕事は、給料はすごくいい反面、労働環境は最悪です。
This job has a very good salary, but on the other hand, the working environment is terrible.
*Since the contrast between “very good” and “terrible” is emphasized, “反面” is appropriate.
Similar Articles
- JLPT N2 Grammar – The difference between “〜あげく” and “〜末に”
- JLPT N2・N5 Grammar – The difference between “〜ながら” and “〜つつ”
- JLPT N2・N4 Grammar – The difference between ”〜にくい”, ”〜づらい” and “〜がたい”
- JLPT N2・N3 Grammar – The difference between “〜あげく” “〜末に” and “〜結果”
- JLPT N2 Grammar – The difference between “〜に相違ない” and “〜に他ならない”
