JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
on the other hand
Category: Contrast and Comparison
The grammar pattern "V/A-い/A-な (な)/N (である) + 反面" is used to present two opposite sides or aspects of the same thing or situation. It highlights the contrasting aspects of a particular issue or situation. This pattern is commonly used in Japanese to provide a balanced view of a topic, allowing the reader or listener to understand both the advantages and disadvantages. The use of "反面" emphasizes the opposing side, making it clear that the speaker is presenting a contrasting viewpoint.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Na-adjective | V/A-い + 反面 | 便利な反面 |
| Na-adjective | V/A-い + 反面 (de aru) | 便利な反面である |
| Noun | N + 反面 (de aru) | 都市の反面である |
| Verb | V + 反面 | 働く反面 |
都会の生活は便利な反面、ストレスも多いと言われている。
Tokai no seikatsu wa benri na henmen, sutoraasu mo ōkina to iwarete iru.
The city life is convenient on the other hand, but it is also said to be stressful.
都会の生活は便利な反面 (city life is convenient on the other hand) + ストレスも多いと言われている (it is also said to be stressful)
一人暮らしは反面、寂しさを感じることもある。
Hitori muraashi wa henmen, sabishisa o kanjite iru koto mo aru.
Living alone has its downsides, and I also feel lonely sometimes.
一人暮らしは反面 (living alone has its downsides) + 寂しさを感じることもある (and I also feel lonely sometimes)
ネットショッピングは反面、実物が見られないという欠点がある。
Netto shoppingu wa henmen, jitsubutsu ga mirarenai toiu kakuten ga aru.
Online shopping has its downsides, and one of them is that you can't see the actual product.
ネットショッピングは反面 (online shopping has its downsides) + 実物が見られないという欠点がある (and one of them is that you can't see the actual product)
大学生活は反面、勉強が忙しいこともある。
Daigaku seikatsu wa henmen, benkyō ga isogashii koto mo aru.
University life has its downsides, and one of them is that you have to study a lot.
大学生活は反面 (university life has its downsides) + 勉強が忙しいこともある (and one of them is that you have to study a lot)
This pattern is used to present a balanced view of a topic, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages. It is commonly used in Japanese to provide a nuanced understanding of a particular issue or situation. The use of "反面" emphasizes the opposing side, making it clear that the speaker is presenting a contrasting viewpoint. This pattern is often used in essays, articles, and other written forms of Japanese.
This pattern is specifically designed to present a contrasting viewpoint, and forgetting to use "反面" can make the sentence unclear or confusing.
While both patterns are used to present a comparison, they have different functions and are used in different contexts.
This pattern is specifically designed to present a contrasting viewpoint within the same topic or situation, and using it to present two unrelated events can make the sentence confusing or unclear.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use "反面" to emphasize the opposing side, and present a clear and balanced view of the topic. Avoid confusing this pattern with "ni taishite" or using it to present two unrelated events.
都会の生活は便利な ______ 、ストレスも多いと言われている。
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