反面
🃏 Flashcard
反面
hanmen
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while, although; on the other hand
N2
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
hanmen
Post ID
51021
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
while, although; on the other hand
📖 How to use it
Connects two contrasting facts or qualities about the same subject, meaning 'while' or 'on the other hand'.
Attaches to
Attaches to the plain present/past form of verbs (e.g., する, した), the plain present/past form of adjectives (e.g., 高い, 高かった), and な-adjective stem + な (e.g., 静かな). For nouns, use である (e.g., 学生である). It follows a clause that ends in a predicate in its plain form.
反面 is used to present two sides of the same thing: one positive, one negative, or two contrasting aspects. It often translates as 'while' or 'on the other hand' in English. The clause before 反面 states one fact, and the clause after states the contrasting fact. The subject is usually the same for both clauses, but not always. It is a fairly formal expression, common in written Japanese and formal speech, but not in casual conversation. In casual speech, you would use けど or のに instead.
このスマホは便利な反面、バッテリーの減りが早い。
Kono sumaho wa benri na hanmen, batterii no heri ga hayai.
This smartphone is convenient, but on the other hand, the battery drains quickly.
彼は厳しい反面、とても面倒見がいい。
Kare wa kibishii hanmen, totemo mendōmi ga ii.
He is strict, but on the other hand, he is very caring.
この仕事はやりがいがある反面、給料が安い。
Kono shigoto wa yarigai ga aru hanmen, kyūryō ga yasui.
This job is rewarding, but on the other hand, the pay is low.
Not 一方で (ippō de)
一方で can contrast two different subjects or topics, whereas 反面 usually contrasts two aspects of the same subject. For example, 一方で can say 'On the one hand, A is...; on the other hand, B is...' with different subjects, but 反面 would sound unnatural there.
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Formal and mostly used in written language or formal speech; in casual conversation, use けど or けどね instead.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
反面
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat 反面 three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using 反面. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern 反面 mean?
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While, although; on the other hand
What JLPT level is 反面?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use 反面 in a sentence?
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Attach 反面 (hanmen) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is 反面 formal or casual Japanese?
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反面 is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember 反面 long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.