Contrast and comparison
～一方(で)
on the other hand; while; the more ... (only)
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How to form it
- Verb/adjective (plain form) + 一方(で)
- Verb (dictionary form) + 一方だ
Register: Neutral to formal
Explanation
Has two uses: a contrast between two facts, and a continuing change in one direction when used as ～一方だ.
With 一方で the subject may do two things in parallel or two situations contrast. With 一方だ it describes a trend that only goes one way.
Examples
彼は会社で働く一方で、大学院にも通っている。
かれはかいしゃではたらくいっぽうで、だいがくいんにもかよっている。
He works at a company while also attending graduate school.
物価が上がる一方、給料は変わらない。
ぶっかがあがるいっぽう、きゅうりょうはかわらない。
Prices are rising, while salaries stay the same.
人口は増える一方だ。
じんこうはふえるいっぽうだ。
The population keeps increasing.
Compare with
- ～反面: 反面 is two sides of one thing; 一方 is two parallel or contrasting situations.
Common mistakes
- Using ～一方だ with a neutral verb. It needs a verb that describes a change.