At a glance
～反面 means "while ~, on the other hand ~". It shows two opposite sides of the same thing or person, often a good point and a bad point.
[Plain form] + 反面、[opposite aspect]
この薬はよく効く反面、副作用がある。 This medicine works well, but on the other hand, it has side effects.
How to form it
反面 attaches to these forms:
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Plain form + 反面 | 効く反面, 便利になった反面 |
| い-adjective | Plain form + 反面 | 高い反面 |
| な-adjective | な + 反面 (or である + 反面) | 便利な反面, 静かな反面 |
| Noun | である + 反面 | 学生である反面 |
The negative plain form also works, as in 自由がない反面. The grammar is the same in polite and casual sentences. Only the end of the sentence changes.