Advanced Estimated read: 3 mins

-는가 하면

Used to list two contrasting facts or two related facts side-by-side. It acknowledges the first clause while adding a different or opposite situation in the second.

Summary

Equivalent

While..., On the one hand..., Not only... but also...

Also: -(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에)

Example

Some days they tell me to put in lots of photos, while other days they get angry asking why I put them in.

어느 날은 사진을 많이 넣으라고 하는가 하면, 어느 날은 왜 넣었냐며 화를 내요.

Grammar rules

  • It implies 'A is true, and (interestingly/simultaneously) B is also true.' Often used to show diversity or contrast within a group or situation (e.g., 'Some people like X, while others like Y').

Patterns

1

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)

현재 (Present) · -는가 하면

2

N (Nouns)

현재 (Present) · 인가 하면

Example sentences

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -는가 하면

Some days they tell me to put in lots of photos, while other days they get angry asking why I put them in.

어느 날은 사진을 많이 넣으라고 하는가 하면, 어느 날은 왜 넣었냐며 화를 내요.

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -는가 하면

There are students who listen intently to grammar, while there are also students who are dozing off.

문법을 집중해서 듣는 학생이 있는가 하면, 졸고 있는 학생도 있어요.

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -는가 하면

That city has modern buildings, while also having many alleys where you can feel the old atmosphere.

그 도시는 현대적인 건물이 있는가 하면, 옛 정취를 느낄 수 있는 골목도 많아요.

Conversation

A: What are the reviews for that actor?

그 배우에 대한 평가는 어때요?

B: While there are positive reviews of their acting skills, there are also rumors that their personality is bad.

연기력이 좋다는 호평이 있는가 하면, 성격이 안 좋다는 소문도 있더라고요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct 'while X, also Y' phrase.

Different reactions to crisis.

Varied weather.