HYEJU LANGUAGE LAB · INTERMEDIATE 44 · LESSON 129
-(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에)whereas / while / on the other hand
-(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) puts two opposite facts side by side: 이 집은 넓은 반면에 역에서 멀어요 (This house is spacious, but on the other hand, it’s far from the station). It sounds organized and slightly formal, so it’s common in writing, reviews and presentations.
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A situation you already know
You’re comparing two apartments for a friend.
This place has cheap rent, but on the other hand, it’s a bit small.
You’re weighing a good point against a bad point. 반면에 sets them side by side clearly.
Build the form
- 싸다 → 싸 + ㄴ 반면에 → 싼 반면에Complete expression
- 넓다 → 넓 + 은 반면에 → 넓은 반면에Complete expression
- 좋아하다 → 좋아하 + 는 반면에 → 좋아하는 반면에Complete expression
- 있다 → 있 + 는 반면에 → 맛있는 반면에Complete expression
- 학생 → 학생 + 인 반면에 → 학생인 반면에Complete expression
- Adjectives: -(으)ㄴ 반면에 → 싼, 넓은, 조용한.
- Verbs (present): -는 반면에 → 좋아하는, 먹는. 있다/없다 → -는: 맛있는 반면에.
- Verbs (past): -(으)ㄴ 반면에 → 늘어난 반면에.
- Nouns: N인 반면에 → 학생인 반면에.
- 에 can be dropped: 싼 반면 좁아요.
- Often used with 은/는 to show contrast: 형은 키가 큰 반면에 저는 작아요.
Think in Korean · an English-speaker’s guide
- English “whereas”, “while”, or “on the other hand” match it well.
- It compares two sides; it doesn’t say one cancels the other. For “but” in everyday talk, -지만 is simpler.
- It’s handy for describing pros and cons in essays (TOPIK writing loves it).
Six examples in context
The city is convenient, whereas the air isn’t good.
My older brother likes sports, while I like books.
This restaurant’s food is tasty, but the service is slow.
Exports increased, while imports decreased.
Online classes are comfortable, but it’s hard to focus.
He’s a famous actor, whereas his private life isn’t well known.
Compare with related patterns
-지만
싸지만 좁아요.“It’s cheap but small.” Simple, everyday “but” (Lesson 62).
-(으)ㄴ/는데
싼데 좁아요.“It’s cheap, but it’s small.” Soft, conversational contrast (Lesson 63).
-는 대신에
싼 대신에 좁아요.“It’s cheap, but in exchange, it’s small.” A trade-off: one thing makes up for the other (Lesson 131).
| Pattern | Choose it when… |
|---|---|
| -(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) | Two contrasting sides (organized, formal) |
| -지만 | Everyday “but” |
| -(으)ㄴ/는데 | Soft spoken contrast |
| -는 대신(에) | Trade-off / compensation |
Common mistakes
Adjectives take -(으)ㄴ.
있다/없다 take -는.
Nouns need 인.
반면에 compares facts; it doesn’t lead to a command.
Mini practice · six questions
Try each one before opening the answer. Translation answers are models; other natural wording is possible.
- Fill in the blank이 노트북은 ______ 반면에 무거워요. (빠르다)
Check answer
이 노트북은 빠른 반면에 무거워요.
Adjective → -(으)ㄴ 반면에.
- Fill in the blank언니는 아침 일찍 ______ 반면에 저는 늦게 일어나요. (일어나다)
Check answer
언니는 아침 일찍 일어나는 반면에 저는 늦게 일어나요.
Verb (present) → -는 반면에.
- Choose the natural form이 영화는 재미(있는 / 있은) 반면에 너무 길어요.
Check answer
있는
있다 → -는.
- Choose the natural form작년에는 관광객이 (줄어든 / 줄어드는) 반면에 올해는 많이 늘었어요.
Check answer
줄어든
Past change → -(으)ㄴ 반면에.
- Fix the mistake제 동생은 의사 반면에 저는 선생님이에요.
Check answer
제 동생은 의사인 반면에 저는 선생님이에요.
Noun → 인 반면에.
- Say it in KoreanSeoul is exciting, whereas it’s very expensive.
Check answer
서울은 재미있는 반면에 물가가 아주 비싸요.
재미있다 → 재미있는 반면에.
Today’s key point
-(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) = whereas / on the other hand: adjectives -(으)ㄴ, verbs -는 (past -(으)ㄴ), nouns 인. Use it to set two contrasting facts side by side, especially in writing.
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