JLPT N3
一方で
On the other hand / While
Structure
Plain form 一方で
How it works
This grammar point is used to contrast two different aspects of a situation or to describe two actions happening simultaneously. It translates to 'on the other hand' or 'while' and is often used to highlight a trade-off or a dual nature of something.
Examples
仕事は忙しい一方で、とてもやりがいがあります。
While the work is busy, it is very rewarding.
一人暮らしは自由な一方で、寂しさを感じることもあります。
Living alone is free on one hand, but on the other hand, you sometimes feel lonely.
彼は俳優として活躍する一方で、小説も書いています。
While he is active as an actor, he also writes novels.
Common mistakes
Forgetting that when using 'na-adjectives', you must add 'na' (e.g., 便利な一方で), and for nouns, you must add 'no' or 'dearu' (e.g., 教師である一方で).
Tip
Think of it as looking at two sides of the same coin. It is more formal than 'けど' or 'でも' and is frequently used in news and written reports.
More JLPT N3 grammar
See 一方で in real Japanese
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