por otro lado
/poɾ ˌotɾo ˈlado/
The English phrase "on the other hand" can be translated into Spanish as por otro lado. Wiktionary also lists por otra parte and por contra.
Meaning: from another point of view (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por otro lado | /poɾ ˌotɾo ˈlado/ |
| por otra parte | /poɾ ˌotɾa ˈpaɾte/ |
| por contra | /poɾ kontɾa/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to introduce a contrasting point or a different point of view. You can also use the paired construction por un lado… por otro lado to mirror the English structure "on one hand… on the other hand".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por otro lado literally translates to 'by another side'.
Which one should you use?
The forms por otro lado and por otra parte are interchangeable synonyms used to introduce a contrasting point.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ ˌotɾo ˈlado/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Por un lado, él elogió mi reporte, pero por otro lado, lo criticó.On one hand he praised my report, but on the other hand he criticized it.This sentence shows how to use the paired construction to express "on one hand… on the other hand" using por otro lado.Tatoeba #1601407 by marcelostockle, translation #27210 by garynw
- El trabajo está bien pagado, pero por otro lado tengo que trabajar doce horas al día.The job pays well, but on the other hand I have to work twelve hours a day.This sentence shows how to introduce a contrasting fact using por otro lado.Tatoeba #1131032 by Shishir, translation #47627 by papabear
- La filosofía nos enseña sentirnos inseguros acerca de las cosas que nos parezcan evidentes por sí solas. Por otro lado, la propaganda nos enseña a aceptar por evidentes asuntos los cuales sería razonable someter a nuestro juicio o poner en duda.Philosophy teaches us to feel uncertain about the things that seem to us self-evident. Propaganda, on the other hand, teaches us to accept as self-evident matters about which it would be reasonable to suspend our judgment or to feel doubt.This sentence shows how to introduce a contrasting perspective using por otro lado.Tatoeba #1235223 by marcelostockle, translation #690953 by Scott
- Me gustaría visitar la playa, pero por otro lado, debo estudiar para mi examen final.I would like to go to the beach, but on the other hand, I must study for my final exam.
- La tarea es difícil y llevará tiempo. En cambio, el resultado será gratificante.The task is challenging and time-consuming. On the other hand, the outcome will be rewarding.
- Creo que deberíamos pedir pizza para la cena. Pero por otra parte, podríamos intentar hacer unas hamburguesas.I think we should order pizza for dinner. On the other hand, we could try making some burgers.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the pros and cons of a new apartment.
- LucíaEl apartamento es muy luminoso.The apartment is very bright.
- MateoEs cierto, pero por otro lado es muy ruidoso.That's true, but on the other hand it is very noisy.
- LucíaTal vez podríamos mudarnos a una zona más tranquila.Maybe we could move to a quieter area.
- MateoEsa es una buena idea, Lucía.That is a good idea, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on the other hand” translations and entries por otro lado, por otra parte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contra, lado, otro, parte, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
