N2 Contrast and Comparison
~反面: meaning, usage and examples
~反面 means: on the other hand... / while...
How to form it
＜Verb plain＞ + 反面 / ＜い-adj＞ + 反面 / ＜な-adj＞ + な / である + 反面 / ＜Noun＞ + である + 反面
Examples
便利な反面、危険性も高い。
While convenient, it's also quite dangerous.
彼は優しい反面、厳しいところもある。
While he's kind, he also has a strict side.
この仕事は給料が高い反面、休みが少ない。
This job pays well, but on the other hand, there are few days off.
一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しく感じることもある。
Living alone gives you freedom, but it can also feel lonely.
When to use it
Use 反面 to show that one and the same thing has two opposite sides: a good point and a bad point, or a pleasant side and an unpleasant side. The first clause states one quality and the second states the opposite quality of the same subject, as in 一人暮らしは自由な反面、寂しい (living alone is free, but lonely).
Nuance
Neutral to written; common in essays, reviews and explanations. Both clauses describe the same subject. The sentence is a description, so the second clause is not a request, an invitation or the speaker's will.
Compare
一方で can compare two different subjects (都会は便利だ。一方で、田舎は静かだ) or add a separate fact, while 反面 needs one subject with two opposite qualities (この薬はよく効く反面、副作用が強い). ながらも sets up a surprising contrast inside one situation rather than two built-in sides.
Tip: Ask "is this one thing with two faces?" If yes, 反面 fits. If you are comparing two different things, choose 一方で.
More in Contrast and Comparison
Frequently asked questions
What does ~反面 mean?
On the other hand... / while.... Example: 便利な反面、危険性も高い。 (While convenient, it's also quite dangerous.)
How do you form ~反面?
＜Verb plain＞ + 反面 / ＜い-adj＞ + 反面 / ＜な-adj＞ + な / である + 反面 / ＜Noun＞ + である + 反面. Ask "is this one thing with two faces?" If yes, 反面 fits. If you are comparing two different things, choose 一方で.