At a glance
～一方(で) means "while" or "on the other hand". It links two facts that contrast, or two things that happen at the same time. It is mostly used in writing and formal speech.
[Clause A] 一方、[Clause B]
[Clause A] 一方で、[Clause B]
この製品は品質がいい一方で、値段が高い。 This product has good quality, but on the other hand it is expensive.
How to form it
The で is optional: 一方 and 一方で have the same meaning.
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | plain form + 一方（で） | 働く一方で / 増えた一方で |
| い-adjective | plain form + 一方（で） | 高い一方で |
| な-adjective | な / である + 一方（で） | 便利な一方で / 便利である一方で |
| Noun | である + 一方（で） | 教師である一方で |
| Start of sentence | 一方、 / その一方で、 | 一方、私は… "On the other hand, I…" |
Register: formal and written. It is common in news, reports and essays.