d'une part
The French phrase for "on one hand" is d'une part.
This phrase is used to introduce the first of two contrasting points of view or arguments.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, d'une part means "from one part", composed of de (of/from), une (one) and part (part/side).
Which one should you use?
The phrase d'une part is almost always paired with d'autre part to complete the contrast, mirroring the English structure of "on one hand… on the other hand".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
D'une part is a formal way to express this idea. For a more colloquial or informal alternative, you can use d'un côté… de l'autre (on one side… on the other).
Did you know?
- Be careful with the word 'part' as it can also be a conjugated form of the verb 'partir', which means 'to leave'.
- In highly formal French rhetoric, speakers sometimes replace the second part of the pair with par ailleurs to signal a transition rather than a direct contradiction.
- While English uses 'hands' to visualize the contrast, French uses part or côté, focusing on divisions of a whole or physical sides.
Examples in context
- D'une part, il faut prendre en considération les avantages de cette stratégie.On one hand, we must take into consideration the advantages of this strategy.
- D'un côté, ça peut sembler une bonne idée, mais de l'autre côté, les implications financières sont importantes.On one hand, it may seem like a good idea, but on the other hand, the financial implications are significant.
- D'une part, c'est trop cher.On one hand, it is too expensive.
- D'une part, le travail est difficile.On one hand, the work is difficult.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing whether to move to a new apartment.
- ChloéD'une part, l'appartement est très grand.On one hand, the apartment is very large.
- HugoC'est vrai, mais il est loin de ton bureau.That's true, but it is far from your office.
- ChloéOui, c'est un gros inconvénient pour moi.Yes, it is a big disadvantage for me.
- HugoOn peut regarder d'autres options demain.We can look at other options tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries part, CC BY-SA 4.0.
