Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~反面 (〜hanmen)

~反面 (〜hanmen)

Short explanation:

Express contrast between two aspects; 'on the one hand', 'on the other hand'.

Formation:

Verb-casual + 反面, い-Adjective + 反面, な-Adjective + である反面, Noun + である反面

Examples:

この車は速い反面、燃費が悪いです。
Kono kuruma wa hayai hanmen, nenpi ga warui desu.
On the one hand, this car is fast, but on the other hand, it has poor fuel efficiency.
彼は頭がいい反面、運動が苦手です。
Kare wa atama ga ii hanmen, undou ga nigate desu.
On the one hand, he is smart, but on the other hand, he is not good at sports.
彼女は親切である反面、面倒見が良すぎることがある。
Kanojo wa shinsetsu de aru hanmen, mendoumi ga yoisugiru koto ga aru.
On the one hand, she is kind, but on the other hand, she can be too helpful at times.
この仕事は給料が高い反面、ストレスがたくさんあります。
Kono shigoto wa kyuuryou ga takai hanmen, sutoresu ga takusan arimasu.
On the one hand, this job pays well, but on the other hand, it has a lot of stress.

Long explanation:

The ~反面 grammar point is used to show a contrast between two aspects of something. It can be translated as 'on the one hand' or 'on the other hand' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, an い-adjective, a な-adjective, or a noun.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~反面 (〜hanmen)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~反面 (〜hanmen)

Grammar Point: ~反面 (〜hanmen)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~反面 (~hanmen) is a Japanese expression used to indicate a contrast or a dual aspect of a situation. It translates to "on the other hand" or "while" in English, and highlights different sides of the same issue.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The structure is used to express that something has both a positive and a negative aspect or that two situations are true at the same time.
  • Structure: The word before 反面 (hanmen) describes the first aspect (positive or negative), while the accompanying clause that follows provides its contrasting side.

Formation Diagram

[Statement A] + 反面 (hanmen), [Statement B]
Example:
日本の夏は暑い反面、冬は寒い。
(Nihon no natsu wa atsui hanmen, fuyu wa samui.)
"Summer in Japan is hot; on the other hand, winter is cold."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • ~ながら (〜nagara): Used to indicate simultaneous actions. Example: 歩きながら話す (Aruki nagara hanasu) means "to talk while walking."
  • ~一方 (〜ippou): Similar to 反面, but 反面 focuses on contrasting aspects of a single subject more closely. Example: 彼は優しい一方で、怒りっぽい。(Kare wa yasashii ippou de, okorippōi.) means "He is gentle, but on the other hand, he can be quick to anger."

Nuances

  • 反面 emphasizes a more direct contrast whereas 一方 can suggest a broader perspective on two distinct points.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:
    • 経済が発展する反面、環境問題も深刻化しています。
    • (Keizai ga hatten suru hanmen, kankyō mondai mo shinkokuka shiteimasu.)
    • "While the economy is developing, environmental issues are also becoming more serious."
  2. Informal:
    • 映画は面白い反面、少し長すぎた。
    • (Eiga wa omoshiroi hanmen, sukoshi nagasugita.)
    • "The movie was interesting, but on the other hand, it was a bit too long."
  3. Written:
    • 学校は厳しい反面、友達と過ごす時間も多い。
    • (Gakkou wa kibishii hanmen, tomodachi to sugosu jikan mo ooi.)
    • "School is strict; on the other hand, I have a lot of time to spend with friends."
  4. Spoken:
    • このスマホは高い反面、機能がすごくいいよ。
    • (Kono sumaho wa takai hanmen, kinou ga sugoku ii yo.)
    • "This smartphone is expensive, but on the other hand, its features are really great."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • The use of 反面 reflects the Japanese cultural tendency to acknowledge multiple perspectives and avoid absolute statements. It encourages a balanced viewpoint, consistent with the social norm of harmony and indirect expression.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "十人十色 反面" (Juuni toiro hanmen) - "There are as many opinions as there are people; on the other hand..." highlights varied opinions while suggesting a contrasting view.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Use: Some learners mistakenly use 反面 without contrasting ideas. Ensure both statements are indeed contrasting.
    • Incorrect: 食べる反面、野菜が必要です。 ("On the other hand, vegetables are necessary.")
    • Correct: ケーキは美味しい反面、カロリーが高いです。("The cake is delicious; on the other hand, it is high in calories.")

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember the word "reverse" as a thought to link the idea of contrast inherent in 反面.
  • Practice Sentences: Create your own sentences using the structure to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 反面 (hanmen) indicates a contrast between two aspects or statements.
  • It is essential to have both a positive and negative aspect in a sentence using this structure.
  • It reflects the cultural inclination towards balanced expression and harmony.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does 反面 (hanmen) mean in English?
  2. Create a sentence using 反面 (hanmen) showing contrasting ideas.
  3. How is 反面 different from 一方 (ippou)?

This concludes the explanation of the grammar point ~反面 (〜hanmen). Use it to enhance your ability to express nuanced views in Japanese!

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