一方だ
More and more, Continue to, Keep on, -er and -er
Structure
Verb + 一方で + Phrase
Explanation
The noun 一方 attaches to a verb to express that a certain trend or change is continuing in one direction. It often translates to phrases like 'just keeps (A)-ing', 'getting more and more (A)', or '(A)-ing continuously'.
You will typically see 一方 followed by the auxiliary verb だ when it concludes a sentence. If it connects to another clause, often to provide a reason or context, it will use the conjunctive form, で.
- 最近、物価は上がる一方だ。Lately, prices just keep going up.
- 年を取って記憶力が弱まる一方で、物忘れがひどい。As I get older my memory just keeps getting weaker, so I've become terribly forgetful.
The literal meaning of 一方 is 'one way' or 'one direction'. This is why it is used to describe any situation that is consistently progressing—whether it's growing, shrinking, strengthening, or fading—without changing course.
Caution
It is important to remember that 一方 must be paired with verbs that indicate a gradual change. 一方 itself only emphasizes the continuation of a trend, not the start of it.
- この町の交通量は増え、渋滞はひどくなる一方だ。The traffic in this town is increasing, and the congestion just keeps getting worse. (Natural)
- お腹がすいて、彼はパンを食べる一方だ。He is hungry, so he eats bread in one direction. (Unnatural)
Examples
最近、物価は上がる一方だ。
Lately, prices just keep on rising.
祖父の病状は悪くなる一方で、家族はみんな心配している。
My grandfather's condition continues to get worse, and the whole family is worried.
都市に人が集まり、田舎の過疎化は進む一方だ。
People are gathering in the cities, and the depopulation of the countryside is only progressing.
年末に向けて、仕事は忙しくなる一方です。
As we head towards the end of the year, work is just getting more and more hectic.
子供の数は減る一方で、高齢者の割合は増えている。
The number of children keeps on decreasing, while the proportion of elderly people is increasing.
練習を始めてから、彼女の日本語は上達する一方だ。
Ever since she started practicing, her Japanese has done nothing but continue to improve.
この地域の治安は悪化する一方だ。
Public safety in this area is getting progressively worse.
温暖化のせいで、北極の氷は溶ける一方だ。
Due to global warming, the ice in the Arctic just keeps on melting.
彼と喧嘩してから、二人の距離は広がる一方だ。
Ever since I argued with him, the distance between us has only grown wider.
夜が深くなるにつれて、雨と風は強まる一方だった。
As the night deepened, the wind and rain just kept getting stronger and stronger.
解決策が見つからないまま、問題は複雑になる一方だ。
With no solution in sight, the problem continues to get more and more complicated.
スマホの使いすぎで、視力が落ちる一方だ。
From using my smartphone too much, my eyesight is only getting worse.