一方で (いっぽうで) — Contrast and Simultaneous Aspects
Frequent Usages
- 彼は優しい一方で、厳しい面もある
- この町は静かな一方で、生活に不便だ
- 日本は伝統を大切にする一方で、新しい技術を取り入れている
- 都会の生活は便利な一方で、ストレスも多い
- SNSは便利な一方で、トラブルも増えている
Meaning and Usage
"一方で" (いっぽうで) is used to indicate contrast or to describe simultaneous aspects of a single subject. It highlights two opposing characteristics or concurrent aspects of the same topic, similar to "on the other hand" or "at the same time." This phrase is often used to discuss dual aspects or parallel situations, offering a nuanced view of a subject by showing both its positive and negative sides, or by describing two different perspectives or outcomes.
While "に対して" also expresses contrast, "一方で" focuses on presenting two perspectives or aspects within the same subject, often conveying a sense of balance or duality.
Form
- Verb (辞書形) + 一方で
Used to show contrasting or simultaneous actions within one subject.
彼は勉強をする一方で、アルバイトもしている
かれはべんきょうをするいっぽうで、アルバイトもしている
"He studies, while at the same time, he also works part-time." - い-Adjective + 一方で
Used to describe contrasting qualities or aspects within an adjective.
その映画は楽しい一方で、少し考えさせられる内容もある
そのえいがはたのしいいっぽうで、すこしかんがえさせられるないようもある
"That movie is fun, but at the same time, it has a thought-provoking theme." - な-Adjective + な + 一方で
Used with な-adjectives to show contrasting characteristics within the same subject.
彼女は社交的な一方で、時々一人になりたがる
かのじょはしゃこうてきないっぽうで、ときどきひとりになりたがる
"She is sociable, but at the same time, she sometimes wants to be alone." - Noun + である + 一方で
Used with nouns to highlight contrasting aspects of the same noun.
日本は平和な国である一方で、災害が多い
にほんはへいわなくにであるいっぽうで、さいがいがおおい
"Japan is a peaceful country, but at the same time, it experiences many natural disasters."
When to Use It
Contrast
"一方で" is commonly used to show contrast between two different aspects or qualities of the same subject. This usage is ideal for expressing the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, or positive and negative sides within a single topic.
- To express that a person or thing has two contrasting qualities:
彼は優しい一方で、冷たい一面もある
かれはやさしいいっぽうで、つめたいいちめんもある
"He is kind, but on the other hand, he can be cold."
Simultaneous Aspects
"一方で" can also be used to describe two actions or characteristics that occur simultaneously within the same context, showing duality without necessarily opposing the two elements.
- To describe a situation with two parallel aspects:
この町は静かな一方で、多くの観光客も訪れる
このまちはしずかないっぽうで、おおくのかんこうきゃくもおとずれる
"This town is quiet, yet at the same time, it attracts many tourists."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (辞書形) + 一方で
- 彼女は大学で学びながら一方で、会社でインターンシップもしている
かのじょはだいがくでまなびながらいっぽうで、かいしゃでインターンシップもしている
"She is studying at university, while also doing an internship at a company."
- い-Adjective + 一方で
- この本は面白い一方で、少し難しい内容もある
このほんはおもしろいいっぽうで、すこしむずかしいないようもある
"This book is interesting, but at the same time, it contains some difficult material."
- な-Adjective + な + 一方で
- 彼は賢い一方で、怠けがちなところもある
かれはかしこいいっぽうで、なまけがちなところもある
"He is smart, but at the same time, he can be lazy."
- Noun + である + 一方で
- 都市である一方で、豊かな自然が残っている
としであるいっぽうで、ゆたかなしぜんがのこっている
"It’s an urban area, but at the same time, it has rich natural surroundings."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "一方で" when comparing entirely different subjects or when there is no real contrast or dual aspect within the same subject. For completely unrelated contrasts or comparisons, other structures like "に対して" or "反面" may be more appropriate.
Key Points to Remember
- "一方で" is used to express two contrasting or simultaneous aspects within a single subject.
- It highlights a duality or balance, often translated as "on the other hand" or "at the same time."
- This expression is versatile and can be used to describe both contrasts and simultaneous qualities within the same entity.
Formality
"一方で" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though it’s slightly more formal than everyday casual speech. It’s suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
Example Sentences
- 東京は便利な一方で、物価が高い
とうきょうはべんりないっぽうで、ぶっかがたかい
"Tokyo is convenient, but on the other hand, the cost of living is high." - 彼女は親切な一方で、少し頑固なところもある
かのじょはしんせつないっぽうで、すこしがんこなところもある
"She is kind, but at the same time, a bit stubborn." - SNSは便利な一方で、トラブルも多い
SNSはべんりないっぽうで、トラブルもおおい
"Social media is convenient, but at the same time, it comes with a lot of trouble." - この映画は面白い一方で、悲しいシーンも多い
このえいがはおもしろいいっぽうで、かなしいシーンもおおい
"This movie is interesting, but at the same time, it has many sad scenes." - 日本は伝統を大切にする一方で、新しい技術も積極的に取り入れている
にほんはでんとうをたいせつにするいっぽうで、あたらしいぎじゅつもせっきょくてきにとりいれている
"Japan values tradition, but at the same time, actively adopts new technology."
