On the Other Hand (-는 반면에)
-는 반면(에)
Contrasts two facts about the same subject: 'on the other hand / while / whereas.'
Pattern
Action verb + -는 반면(에) / Adj + -(으)ㄴ 반면(에) / Noun + 인 반면(에)
Explanation
-는 반면(에) presents a contrast between two aspects of the same subject or related subjects: 이 식당은 맛있는 반면에 비싸요 (This restaurant is delicious, but on the other hand it's expensive). It's more balanced than -지만, which simply opposes.
The form changes with tense: -는 반면에 for present action verbs, -(으)ㄴ 반면에 for adjectives and past tense, -인 반면에 for nouns. The particle 에 is often omitted: -는 반면 is equally common.
This pattern is common in essays, comparisons, and analytical writing. It's useful for presenting balanced arguments and acknowledging both sides of an issue.
Examples
서울은 교통이 편리한 반면에 집값이 비싸요.
Seoureun gyotongi pyeollihan banmyeone jipgapsi bissayo.
Seoul has convenient transportation, but on the other hand housing is expensive.
언니는 외향적인 반면 저는 내성적이에요.
Eonnineun oehyangjeogin banmyeon jeoneun naeseongjeogieyeo.
My older sister is extroverted, whereas I am introverted.
이 방법은 빠른 반면에 비용이 많이 들어요.
I bangbeobeun ppareun banmyeone biyongi mani deureoyo.
This method is fast, but on the other hand it costs a lot.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
맛있는 반면에 맛있어요.
Correct
맛있는 반면에 비싸요.
The two clauses must contrast each other. They can't express the same idea.
Wrong
좋는 반면에 비싸요.
Correct
좋은 반면에 비싸요.
Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ before 반면에: 좋다 → 좋은 반면에.
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