JLPT N2 grammar

〜一方meaning and usage

Meaning

On one hand A, on the other, B; Although A, at the same time, B

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjective一方（で）
  • な-adjective (stem)な/である一方（で）
  • nounである一方（で）
  • 一方（で）sentence

How it is used

Contrasts two things, or two sides of one thing: 'while A, B'; it can also start a sentence as 「一方、」. 「〜反面」 is only for opposite sides of the same thing, while 「一方」 can also contrast different people or things.

Examples

  1. その料理はおいしい一方で、作るのは結構時間がかかります。

    Although that food is delicious, it takes a pretty long time to make.

  2. 都会では人が増える一方で、田舎では人が減っている。

    While cities are gaining people, the countryside is losing them.

  3. この仕事は給料がいい一方、休みが少ない。

    This job pays well, but on the other hand there are few days off.