反面
While, On the other hand, Although, However, On the flip side
Structure
［い］Adjective + 反面
［な］Adjective + な(1) + 反面
Noun + である + 反面
Phrase + が + （、）+ 反面
(1) である
Explanation
The noun 反面, literally 'on the other side', is a grammar pattern that connects two clauses to highlight a contrast. It is used to present two different, often opposing, sides of the same topic, person, or object. In English, it is similar to saying 'on one hand... on the other hand', 'while', or 'at the same time'.
Because 反面 functions as a noun, it can follow verbs, い-Adjectives, and な-Adjectives in their noun-modifying forms, as well as nouns that are followed by である.
- このアプリは新しい機能が増えて使いやすくなった反面、セキュリティが少し心配だ。While this app has become easier to use with its new features, I'm a little concerned about the security.
- このパソコンは性能が高い反面、値段もかなりする。Although this computer has high performance, it's also quite expensive.
- 私の町は静かな反面、店が少なくて買い物が不便だ。On the one hand, my town is quiet, but on the other, shopping is inconvenient because there are few stores.
- あの選手は一流の技術を持つ天才である反面、短気なところが欠点だ。While that athlete is a genius with first-class skills, his short temper is a drawback.
Caution
Since 反面 is used to link two contrasting aspects, one side is typically seen as positive and the other as negative. It is unnatural to use it to connect two positive ideas or two negative ideas about the same subject.
- このカメラは操作が簡単な反面、画質があまり良くないらしい。While this camera is easy to operate, I hear the picture quality isn't very good. (Natural Japanese)
- このカメラは操作が簡単な反面、画質がとても良いらしい。While this camera is easy to operate, apparently, the picture quality is very good. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
この仕事は憧れの職業である反面、責任が重い。
While this is a dream job, the responsibility that comes with it is immense.
この部屋は静かな反面、日当たりが悪い。
This room is quiet, but on the other hand, it doesn't get good sunlight.
辛い食べ物はとてもおいしい反面、胃に負担をかけることがある。
While spicy food is very delicious, it can sometimes be hard on the stomach.
インターネットは何でも調べられる反面、間違った情報も多い。
You can look up anything on the internet, on the other hand, there is also a lot of false information.
デパートは何でも買い物できる反面、いつも人でごった返している。
Department stores are convenient since you can buy anything, on the other hand, they are always packed with people.
この薬は効果が強力な反面、副作用も強い。
While this medicine is highly effective, it also has strong side effects.
田舎での生活は穏やかで楽しい反面、買い物が不便だ。
Living in the countryside is peaceful and enjoyable, on the other hand, it's inconvenient for shopping.
リモートワークは自由な時間が多い。その反面、ついサボってしまうこともある。
Remote work offers a lot of free time. On the other hand, it can also be easy to slack off.
彼女はどんな作業でも早くこなす反面、仕事が雑な時がある。
She can get any task done quickly, but on the other hand, her work can sometimes be a bit sloppy.
SNSは気軽に友達とつながれる反面、トラブルに巻き込まれやすい危険性がある。
Social media makes it easy to connect with friends, on the other hand, there's also a high risk of getting caught up in trouble.
あの観光地は素晴らしい景色を楽しめる反面、いつも大勢の人で混雑している。
While you can enjoy the wonderful scenery at that tourist spot, it's always congested with large crowds of people.
ペットを飼うことは癒しである反面、世話をする責任は大きい。
Although having a pet is very comforting, taking care of it is a huge responsibility.