Posted inN2 Grammar

Exploring Japanese Grammar: ~反面 (~hanmen) – Contrasting Sides (JLPT N2)

Posted inN2 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

On the other hand; While; Whereas; In contrast

🎯 Primary Function

Used to present two contrasting or opposite aspects of the same subject, situation, or phenomenon. It highlights both positive and negative, or simply different, sides.

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb plain form + 反面 (はんめん) い-adjective plain form + 反面 (はんめん) な-adjective stem + な + 反面 (はんめん) or な-adjective stem + である + 反面 (はんめん) Noun + である + 反面 (はんめん)

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Frequently used in formal writing, speeches, and discussions.

😊 Informal Situations

Less common in casual conversation.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in articles, essays, reports, and academic writing.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in more structured or formal speech, less so in daily chat.

💡 Common Applications

Discussing pros and cons
Presenting the advantages and disadvantages of a single topic.
Example: このスマホは機能が多い反面、バッテリーの持ちが悪い。(This smartphone has many functions, but on the other hand, the battery life is poor.)
Highlighting opposing characteristics
Showing two contrasting qualities or features of the same person or thing.
Example: 彼は真面目な反面、ユーモアのセンスもある。(He is serious, but on the other hand, he also has a sense of humor.)
Analyzing complex issues
Presenting different viewpoints or effects of a single issue.
Example: グローバル化は経済を活性化させる反面、格差を広げる可能性もある。(Globalization vitalizes the economy, but on the other hand, it also has the possibility of widening disparities.)
📊
Frequency
Moderately frequent, especially in written materials and formal speech.
🎚️
Difficulty
Moderate for JLPT N2. The main challenge is the correct connection and understanding its specific usage for a single subject.
Example Sentences
この仕事は給料が良い反面、残業が多い。
This job has good pay, on the other hand, there is a lot of overtime.
彼は優れた研究者である反面、人とのコミュニケーションが苦手だ。
He is an excellent researcher, whereas, he is not good at communicating with people.
インターネットは便利な反面、情報過多になりやすい。
The internet is convenient, while, it can easily lead to information overload.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Focuses on a single subject
Use ~反面 to talk about two conflicting or opposite aspects of the same thing or situation. It is not used for comparing two entirely different things.
Example: Correct: この本は高い反面、とても内容が濃い。(This book is expensive, but the content is very rich.) Incorrect: 彼の趣味は読書である反面、私の趣味は釣りだ。(Use 〜に対して or 〜一方(で) for comparing different subjects.)
Often implies a balance or trade-off
It suggests that the two sides coexist and are inherent aspects of the subject, often highlighting a compromise or consequence.
Example: スマホは便利になった反面、依存症のリスクもある。(Smartphones have become convenient, but on the other hand, there is also the risk of addiction.)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using it to compare two unrelated subjects.
✅ Use 〜に対して or 〜一方(で) for comparing different entities.
〜反面 must refer to contrasting aspects of the same noun or situation.
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🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Generally neutral to slightly formal.
Social Situations: Suitable for discussions, presentations, and writing where balanced perspectives are presented.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese, no significant regional variations.

🔍 Subtle Differences

〜反面 vs 〜一方(で) vs 〜に対して
〜反面 strictly compares two aspects of the same thing. 〜一方(で) can compare aspects of the same thing OR two different things/people/situations. 〜に対して is primarily used for comparing different people, things, or actions, often highlighting opposition or contrast between them.
When to use: Use 〜反面 when discussing the inherent duality or contrasting characteristics within one subject. Use 〜一方(で) for broader contrasts or presenting concurrent but different states/actions (can overlap with 反面 but is more flexible for different subjects). Use 〜に対して for direct comparisons or contrasts between two distinct entities or actions.
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📝 Conjugation Notes

Remember the plain form rule for verbs and い-adjectives. な-adjectives and nouns typically use な or である. である is more formal and always correct for nouns and often used for な-adjectives in this pattern.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

はんめん (hanmen). The “n” is a syllabic nasal, similar to the “n” in “sing”.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 面 (men) meaning “face” or “side” and 反 (han) meaning “opposite”. The grammar pattern represents the “opposite sides” of the same thing.

Practice Exercises
新しいアパートは駅から近い_____、家賃が高い。
反面
に対して
だけあって
に比べて
彼女は日本語教師である_____、英語も堪能だ。
反面
な反面
である反面
に反して
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