-(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에)

whereas, while on the other hand (contrasting two facts)

Level 4 · TOPIK II · intermediate

How to use it

Contrasts two opposite sides of one thing (often a good point vs. a bad point) or two different things. Common in writing, presentations and TOPIK essays.

Forming it

싸다	→ 싼 반면에
많다	→ 많은 반면에
잘하다	→ 잘하는 반면에

Adjectives take -(으)ㄴ: ✗ 편리하는 반면 → 편리한 반면. Not followed by commands or suggestions.

Examples

이 옷은 디자인이 예쁜 반면에 값이 너무 비싸요.
These clothes have a pretty design, but on the other hand they're too expensive.
형은 운동을 잘하는 반면 동생은 공부를 잘해요.
The older brother is good at sports, whereas the younger one is good at studying.

Compared with similar patterns

-지만 (G1-018) is the general 'but'. -(으)면서도 (G3-048) means 'even though' with one subject doing both; -는 반면에 puts two sides next to each other more objectively and formally.