Intermediate (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)ㄴ/는 반면에

Used to contrast two opposing or differing situations, often about the same person or topic from two different angles.

Summary

Equivalent

On the other hand / While... in contrast

Also: -지만 (But - simpler form, less formal) · -는 데 비해(서) (Compared to... in contrast)

Example

This bag is inexpensive on the one hand, but the quality isn't that great on the other.

이 가방은 가격이 저렴한 반면에 품질은 그다지 좋지 않아요.

Grammar rules

  • Both clauses typically share the same subject or closely related topic.
  • The contrast is usually objective and neutral, not expressing personal opinion.
  • Often used with two different subjects being compared: 'A는 ...인 반면에, B는 ...'.

    언니는 활발한 반면에 동생은 조용해요. (The older sister is outgoing whereas the younger sister is quiet.)

Patterns

1

Verbs (Present)

Present · Verb Stem + 는 반면에

2

Verbs (Past)

Past · Verb Stem + (으)ㄴ 반면에

3

Adjectives (Present)

Present · Adjective Stem + (으)ㄴ 반면에

Example sentences

Adjectives (Present) · Present · Adjective Stem + (으)ㄴ 반면에

This bag is inexpensive on the one hand, but the quality isn't that great on the other.

이 가방은 가격이 저렴한 반면에 품질은 그다지 좋지 않아요.

Verbs (Present) · Present · Verb Stem + 는 반면에

Life in the city is convenient, but on the other hand the air is often bad.

도시에서는 생활이 편리한 반면에 공기가 나쁜 경우가 많아요.

Verbs (Past) · Past · Verb Stem + (으)ㄴ 반면에

Whereas I gained weight last year, I have lost a lot this year.

작년에 체중이 늘어난 반면에 올해는 많이 빠졌어요.

Conversation

A: How is life in Korea?

한국 생활이 어때요?

B: The food is really delicious, but on the other hand the weather is a bit hard to adapt to.

음식은 정말 맛있는 반면에 날씨가 적응하기 좀 어려워요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct objective contrast form.

Quiet (Adj contrast).

Good quality (Adj contrast).