Japanese grammar
What does ～はんめん mean? Japanese grammar N2
～はんめん means on the other hand there is an opposite side (the same subject has two sides).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 動詞・い形 普通形 + 反面 な形 な/である + 反面 N である + 反面 |
| Romaji | hanmen |
| Meaning | on the other hand there is an opposite side (the same subject has two sides) |
Forming it
| na-adjective | 便利な + 反面 |
|---|---|
| Verb/i-adjective | 給料が高い + 反面 |
How to use it
States TWO OPPOSITE SIDES of the same subject (usually benefit ↔ drawback); written, objective.
- 「～反面（はんめん）」 states the OPPOSITE SIDE of the same thing: one aspect is like this, the other aspect is like that. Usually contrasts benefit ↔ drawback.
- Different from 「～一方で」 (can compare two different subjects/matters): 「反面」 always talks about TWO SIDES of the SAME subject.
- Written, neutral style; rarely used in casual conversation.
Examples
この仕事は給料が高い反面、責任も重い。
This job pays well, but on the other hand the responsibility is heavy.
都会は便利な反面、生活費が高い。
The city is convenient, but living costs are high on the other hand.
Keep in mind
- A na-adjective attaches with 「な」 or 「である」; a noun uses 「である反面」.
- The two clauses must be genuinely opposite (strength ↔ weakness).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong便利反面、生活費が高い。
Convenient, but on the other hand living costs are high.
Correct便利な反面、生活費が高い。
A na-adjective attaches with 「な」 (or 「である」) before 「反面」.
-
Wrongこの薬はよく効く反面、体にいい。
This medicine is very effective, and on the other hand it's also good for the body.
Correctこの薬はよく効く反面、副作用も強い。
「反面」 needs two OPPOSITE sides (benefit ↔ drawback); it doesn't connect two same-direction positive clauses.
Exam tips
- 「反面」 = two OPPOSITE sides of the SAME subject (benefit ↔ drawback).