Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| d'un autre côté | /d‿œ̃.n‿o.tʁə ko.te/ |
| en revanche | /ɑ̃ ʁ(ə).vɑ̃ʃ/ |
| par contre | /paʁ kɔ̃tʁ/ |
These phrases are used to introduce a different point of view or a contrasting aspect of a situation. D'un autre côté is used to introduce a different aspect of a situation, much like the English 'on the other hand'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase d'un autre côté literally translates to 'from another side'.
Which one should you use?
While d'un autre côté is a direct way to introduce a different aspect, en revanche is specifically used to express a counter-argument or a contrasting point with more elegance. Par contre is very common in spoken, everyday French but is often considered less elegant than en revanche in written contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In English, 'on the other hand' can often be placed at the end of a sentence, but in French, en revanche and par contre are typically placed at the beginning of a clause or immediately after the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of d'un autre côté is /d‿œ̃.n‿o.tʁə ko.te/ and it has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word côté in d'un autre côté comes from the Latin costātus, which refers to the ribs, as the ribs form the 'side' of the human body.
- The term revanche is also used in sports and gaming to mean a 'rematch', reflecting the idea of balancing the score after a loss.
- The phrase en revanche implies a positive counter-point, whereas par contre is more neutral or can even lean toward a negative contrast.
Examples in context
- Moi, par contre, je préfère les sucreries.I, on the other hand, prefer sweets.This example shows how to use par contre to express a personal preference.Tatoeba #487141 by qdii, translation #706357 by bferrant
- D'un autre côté, il y a quelques désavantages.On the other hand, there are some disadvantages.This example demonstrates using d'un autre côté to introduce disadvantages.Tatoeba #1032166 by sacredceltic, translation #886271 by CM
- C'est bon marché, mais d'un autre côté, la qualité est mauvaise.It is cheap, but on the other hand it is not good.This example shows how to use d'un autre côté to contrast quality with price.Tatoeba #746449 by Aiji, translation #42230 by CM
- Le projet semble ambitieux. En revanche, les coûts associés sont très élevés.The project seems ambitious. On the other hand, the associated costs are very high.
- Je préfère le thé au café. Par contre, ma sœur adore le café.I prefer tea to coffee. On the other hand, my sister loves coffee.
- Je suis fatigué. Par contre, je veux quand même sortir ce soir.I'm tired. On the other hand, I still want to go out tonight.
- Ce film est amusant à regarder. D'un autre côté, il manque un peu de profondeur.This movie is fun to watch. On the other hand, it lacks a bit of depth.
- J'aime les sports en plein air. À l'inverse, mon ami préfère les activités intérieures.I enjoy outdoor sports. On the other hand, my friend prefers indoor activities.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing whether to go for a hike.
- LucasLe paysage est magnifique aujourd'hui.The landscape is beautiful today.
- LéaOui, mais d'un autre côté, il va pleuvoir.Yes, but on the other hand, it is going to rain.
- LucasTu as raison, restons à la maison.You are right, let's stay home.
- LéaC'est une bonne idée, Lucas.That is a good idea, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on the other hand” translations and entries d'un autre côté, en revanche, par contre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autre, contre, côté, en, par, revanche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
