その反面
sono hanmen
The English phrase 'on the other hand' can be translated into Japanese as その反面 (sono hanmen) or 他方.
Meaning: from another point of view (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| その反面 | sono hanmen | |
| 他方 | tahō | [ta̠ho̞ː] (narrow) |
These phrases are used to present an alternative point of view or a contrasting aspect of a situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase その反面 literally means 'that reverse side'.
Which one should you use?
その反面 is typically used to highlight a contradictory or negative aspect of a previously mentioned positive (or vice versa) situation, whereas 他方 is more neutral and used to present a different side of a situation or a different subject entirely.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
他方 is more formal and is frequently used in written reports, news or academic contexts compared to その反面.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 他方 to contrast two different subjects or parallel developments, it is common to add the particle 'では' to create 他方では.
How do you pronounce it?
sono hanmen
Did you know?
- In high-level legal or bureaucratic Japanese, 他方 can be used as a noun to refer to 'the other party' in a contract. This turns a transition phrase into a specific legal person.
- The kanji 反 in その反面 originally referred to the back of a fabric or the reverse side of a piece of cloth. This reflects a cultural history of textile production where the 'reverse side' was a distinct concept.
- If you use その反面 in a casual conversation with friends, you might sound like you are reading from a textbook or a scientific journal.
Examples in context
- その仕事は十分にお金になるが、その反面１日に12時間働かなくてはならない。The job pays well, but on the other hand I have to work twelve hours a day.This sentence shows how to use その反面 to describe a difficult aspect of a high-paying job.Tatoeba #210359 by KK_kaku_, translation #47627 by papabear
- それは値段は安いが、その反面品質がよくない。It is cheap, but on the other hand it is not good.This sentence uses その反面 to contrast a low price with poor quality.Tatoeba #204988 by mookeee, translation #42230 by CM
- 一方で彼は私の報告書を賞賛したが、他方ではそれを批判した。On one hand he praised my report, but on the other hand he criticized it.This sentence demonstrates the use of 他方 (specifically 他方では) to contrast two different reactions to a report.Tatoeba #190054 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #27210 by garynw
- 今日は天気が良いです。しかしながら、風が強いです。Today, the weather is good. However, the wind is strong.
- 彼女はとても才能がある。その一方で、経験がまだ足りない。She has a lot of talent. On the other hand, she lacks experience.
- あの食堂の料理は美味しかったけど、逆に店員の態度が悪かった。The food at that cafeteria was delicious, but on the other hand, the staff's attitude was bad.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing the pros and cons of living in a big city.
- 健太 Kenta都会は便利だけど、家賃が高いよね。Tokai wa benri dakedo, yachin ga takai yo ne.The city is convenient, but the rent is expensive.
- 陽葵 Himariそうね。その反面、仕事のチャンスは多いわ。Sō ne. Sono hanmen, shigoto no chansu wa ooi wa.True. On the other hand, there are many job opportunities.
- 健太 Kenta確かに。でも、人は多いし騒がしいな。Tashika ni. Demo, hito wa ooi shi sawagashii na.True. But it's crowded and noisy.
- 陽葵 Himariそれが都会の生活の難しいところよね。Sore ga tokai no seikatsu no muzukashii tokoro yo ne.That's the difficult part of city life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on the other hand” translations and entries 他方, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
