Meaning
~一方(で) is used to present two related but contrasting situations or to compare different aspects of the same subject. It can connect two clauses within a single sentence showing parallel or opposing ideas, or be used as a sentence-opener to shift focus to a contrasting topic. The pattern emphasizes that both situations exist or occur simultaneously.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词普通形 | 一方(で)、… |
| い形容词 | 一方(で)、… |
| な形容词 | な/である + 一方(で)、… |
| 名词 | の/である + 一方(で)、… |
Examples
-
山田さんは大学の教授である一方、市の生物研究所の所長でもあります。
Yamada is a university professor, while at the same time he is also the director of the city's biological research institute. -
姉は活動的でスポーツをよくする一方、妹は静かで読書が好きだ。
The older sister is active and often plays sports, whereas the younger sister is quiet and loves reading. -
彼は病院に勤める一方、地域でボランティア活動にも参加している。
He works at a hospital, while also participating in volunteer activities in the community. -
マイクさんは勉強に熱心な一方で、友達とのつき合いも大切にしているようだ。
Mike is enthusiastic about studying, and at the same time he also values his friendships with others. -
消費税が大幅に増える一方で、給料は全然上がらないんだから、これからは生活費をもっと節約するしかないなあ。
While consumption tax increases significantly, salaries don't rise at all, so from now on we have no choice but to save more on living expenses.
Summary
- Use ~一方(で) to present two contrasting facts or situations about the same subject or different subjects
- Can connect clauses within one sentence or appear at the beginning of a new sentence after a period
- Works with verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns by adding appropriate particles (な, の, である)