JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
On the other hand
Category: Contrast & Opposition
This grammar pattern is used to describe two contrasting aspects of the same subject or situation. It highlights that while one side exists, an opposite side is also true. For example, in the sentence '一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しさを感じることもある', the speaker is pointing out that while living alone gives one freedom, it also brings feelings of loneliness. This pattern is often used to show a nuanced understanding of a situation and to encourage the listener to think critically about the topic.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-plain (plain verb form) | V-plain / A-i / A-na (na/de aru) / N (de aru) + 反面 | V-plain は、動作の基本形 |
| A-i (i-adjective form) | V-plain / A-i / A-na (na/de aru) / N (de aru) + 反面 | A-i は、形容詞の基本形 |
| A-na (na-adjective form) | V-plain / A-i / A-na (na/de aru) / N (de aru) + 反面 | A-na は、形容詞の形容詞形 |
| N (noun form) | V-plain / A-i / A-na (na/de aru) / N (de aru) + 反面 | N は、名詞の基本形 |
一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しさを感じることもある。
Hitori mugarishi wa jiyū na hanten, sabishisa o kanjite iru koto mo aru.
On the other hand, living alone can also bring feelings of loneliness.
一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しさを感じることもある。 (Hitori mugarishi wa jiyū na hanten, sabishisa o kanjite iru koto mo aru.)
この薬は効果が高い反面、副作用も強いので注意が必要だ。
Kono kusuri wa kōka ga takai hanten, fukasō mo tsuyoi node chūi ga hitsuyō da.
On the other hand, this medicine also has strong side effects, so we need to be careful.
この薬は効果が高い反面、副作用も強いので注意が必要だ。 (Kono kusuri wa kōka ga takai hanten, fukasō mo tsuyoi node chūi ga hitsuyō da.)
都会の生活は便利な反面、ストレスも多い。
Tōkai no seikatsu wa benri na hanten, sutorēsu mo ōi.
On the other hand, city life is also stressful.
都会の生活は便利な反面、ストレスも多い。 (Tōkai no seikatsu wa benri na hanten, sutorēsu mo ōi.)
This pattern is used to describe two contrasting aspects of the same subject or situation. It is often used in academic or formal writing to show a nuanced understanding of a topic. In informal writing or conversation, it is often replaced with ～一方 or ～に反して.
Na-adjectives require the particle 'na' to indicate the contrast.
This pattern is used to describe two contrasting aspects of the same subject or situation. If you want to describe two completely different subjects, use ～一方.
～に反して is used to describe something that is contrary to expectations, while ～反面 is used to describe two contrasting aspects of the same subject or situation.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct particle '反面' to indicate the contrast. Also, be careful not to confuse it with ～に反して or ～一方.
一人暮らしは自由な______、寂しさを感じることもある。
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