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Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 2: On the other hand (-(으)ㄴ/는 반면에)

When you want to contrast two facts or situations ("A is true, but on the other hand, B is true"), you use the structure -(으)ㄴ/는 반면에.

Structure Breakdown

  • 반면 (反面) = the opposite side / the flip side
  • 에 = at / in Literally: "On the opposite side of [X]..."

How to Conjugate

This uses standard noun modifier rules.

1. Action Verbs (Present Tense)

Attach -는 반면에 * 가다 -> 가는 반면에 (While they go... / On the other hand, they go) * 운동하다 -> 운동하는 반면에 (While he exercises...)

2. Descriptive Verbs / Adjectives (Present Tense)

Attach -(으)ㄴ 반면에 * 크다 -> 큰 반면에 (While it is big...) * 작다 -> 작은 반면에 (While it is small...) * 비싸다 -> 비싼 반면에 (It is expensive; on the other hand...)

3. Past Tense (Verbs & Adjectives)

Attach -(으)ㄴ 반면에 (Wait, for verbs in the past, we use -(으)ㄴ. For adjectives in the past, we usually use -던 반면에). * 읽다 (past) -> 읽은 반면에 (While I read it...) * 많았다 -> 많았던 반면에 (While there were a lot...)

(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) vs. 하지만

  • 하지만 / 그런데 are simple conjunctions meaning "but."
  • -(으)ㄴ/는 반면에 is more formal and specific, emphasizing two contrasting traits or situations. It is often translated as "While [A] is true, [B] is also true."

Example Sentences

  1. 이 핸드폰은 디자인이 예쁜 반면에 배터리가 빨리 닳아요. (This cellphone's design is pretty, but on the other hand, the battery drains quickly.)

  2. 수진 씨는 말을 많이 하는 반면에, 민수 씨는 조용한 편이에요. (While Soojin talks a lot, Minsoo is on the quiet side.)

  3. 지하철은 빠른 반면에 출퇴근 시간에는 사람이 너무 많아요. (The subway is fast, but on the other hand, there are too many people during rush hour.)