Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Other" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "other", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一方
いっぽう (ippou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
翻って
ひるがえって (hirugaette)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "other" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一方 and 翻って.
In Japanese, 一方 (いっぽう (ippou)) is typically associated with "on the other hand; meanwhile; one side" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to contrast two situations or to describe two things happening simultaneously. Often seen in the pattern 「Aである一方、Bでもある」 or 「Aする一方、Bする」..
On the other hand, 翻って (ひるがえって (hirugaette)) maps to "on the other hand" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "other" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一方"
この薬は効果が高い一方、副作用もある。
This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.
Bilingual Context for "翻って"
私は翻ってに興味があります。
I am interested in on the other hand.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この薬は効果が高い ＿＿＿ 、副作用もある。" (Meaning: "This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一方" fits here because it means "on the other hand; meanwhile; one side" in the context of: "This medicine is highly effective; on the other hand, it also has side effects.". "翻って" represents "on the other hand".