Meaning
Use it for a neutral parallel contrast, and the subjects may differ. Do not confuse it with ～一方だ without で, which means change keeps moving in one direction.
Formation
- Plain form＋一方（で）・N／な-adjective＋である一方（で）
When to use it
- Where to use it
- It fits two trends, regions, people, or aspects considered side by side, even when they do not belong to one subject.
- Where not to use it
- Do not use it as 一方だ for growth, decline, or deterioration that keeps proceeding without reversal.
Examples
20 sentences-
兄は東京で働いている一方で弟は地元の大学に通っている。
The older brother works in Tokyo, whereas the younger brother attends a local university.
-
この地域では人口が増えている一方隣の町では減っている。
The population is growing in this area, whereas it is declining in the neighboring town.
-
姉は甘いものが好きな一方私は辛い料理を好む。
My older sister likes sweets, whereas I prefer spicy food.
-
父が慎重に計画する一方で母はすぐ行動に移す。
My father plans carefully, whereas my mother acts right away.
-
オンライン授業は場所を選ばない一方で対面の交流が少ない。
Online classes can be taken anywhere, but on the other hand they offer little face-to-face interaction.
-
都市部では電車の利用者が多い一方で地方では車が生活に欠かせない。
Many people use trains in urban areas, whereas a car is essential for daily life in regional areas.
-
AI翻訳は急速に進歩している一方で、方言の細かなニュアンスはまだ伝えにくい。
AI translation is advancing rapidly, while subtle nuances of a dialect are still hard to convey.
-
駅前ではカフェが増える一方で、小さな本屋が減っている。
Cafés are increasing near the station, while small bookstores are disappearing.
12 more examples
-
兄は将来のために貯金する一方で、妹は今しかできない旅にお金を使う。
My brother saves for the future, whereas my sister spends money on trips she can only take now.
-
日なたでは花が咲いている一方で、森の陰にはまだ雪が残っていた。
Flowers were blooming in the sun, while snow still remained in the shade of the forest.
-
この町は交通が便利な一方で家賃が高いです
This town has convenient transport, but the rent is high.
-
一人暮らしは自由な一方で寂しいこともあります
Living alone gives you freedom, but it can also be lonely.
-
この仕事は忙しい一方でやりがいがあります
This job is busy, but it is rewarding.
-
ネットの買い物は便利な一方で実物が見られません
Online shopping is convenient, but you cannot see the actual item.
-
このカメラは小さい一方でボタンが押しにくいです
This camera is small, but its buttons are hard to press.
-
田舎は静かな一方で店が少ないです
The countryside is quiet, but there are few shops.
-
この本は内容が詳しい一方で初めての人には難しいです
This book is detailed, but it is difficult for beginners.
-
在宅勤務は通勤が要らない一方で運動不足になりやすいです
Working from home removes the commute, but can lead to too little exercise.
-
新しい道ができて生活が便利になる一方で静かな場所が減ります
The new road will make life easier, while there will be fewer quiet places.
-
留学は多くの経験ができる一方で費用がかかります
Studying abroad offers many experiences, but it costs money.
Important notes
- It is broader than 反面 because both clauses need not be properties of the same object.
Common mistakes
- Do not mechanically omit で when the next clause should clearly continue the contrast.
- Do not assume 一方で must express a pro and a con; the contrast may be neutral.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
The trainer requires a free account. Examples and practice questions on this page are available without signing up.