What it means
反面 presents the contrasting side of a person, thing, or situation. It is used when one characteristic or result is true, while a different and often unfavorable characteristic or result is also true. It commonly follows a noun with の, a plain-form verb, an i-adjective, or a na-adjective with な. The expression is more structured and formal than a simple conversational contrast, and it often appears in explanations of advantages and disadvantages.
Usage note
反面 normally contrasts two aspects of the same subject or situation; it is not usually used merely to connect unrelated statements. With a noun, use の反面, while a na-adjective requires な反面. The polite or familiar distinction belongs to the surrounding sentence, not to 反面 itself.
How to use it
都市生活は便利さの反面、孤独を感じることもあります。
Urban life offers convenience, but it can also make people feel lonely.
この制度は公平な反面、申請の手続きが複雑です。
This system is fair, but its application procedures are complicated.
この薬は効果が高い反面、副作用に注意が必要です。
This medicine is highly effective, but attention must also be paid to its side effects.
在宅勤務は通勤時間を減らす反面、仕事と生活の境界が曖昧になりやすいです。
Working from home reduces commuting time, but it also tends to blur the boundary between work and personal life.
都市生活は便利さの反面、孤独を感じることもある。
Urban life offers convenience, but it can also make people feel lonely.
この制度は公平な反面、申請の手続きが複雑だ。
This system is fair, but its application procedures are complicated.
この薬は効果が高い反面、副作用に注意が必要だ。
This medicine is highly effective, but attention must also be paid to its side effects.
在宅勤務は通勤時間を減らす反面、仕事と生活の境界が曖昧になりやすい。
Working from home reduces commuting time, but it also tends to blur the boundary between work and personal life.
Example sentences
在宅勤務は通勤時間を減らせる反面、仕事と私生活の区別がつきにくくなることがある。
Working from home can reduce commuting time, but on the other hand, it can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between work and private life.
オンライン講座は好きな時間に学べる反面、自分で計画を立てて勉強