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一方面 … ，一方面 … (on one hand / on the other)
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Two sides of the story
- In a class debate, you explain why many young people move to big cities.
- on one hand一方面，major city大城市opportunity机会many多；on the other另一方面，to live生活also也more更convenient方便。 — "On the one hand, big cities have more opportunities; on the other, life is more convenient."
on one hand一方面 …，(other另)on one hand一方面 …
- on one hand一方面…，on one hand一方面… / on the other另一方面… presents two aspects or reasons side by side.
- Each on one hand一方面 starts its clause, usually with a comma or semicolon in between.
on one hand一方面，the pay工资high高；on the other另一方面，from离home家close近。
Complete: “On the one hand it's cheap; on the other, it's close to home.” 一方面很便宜，另____离家很近。
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一方面…，另一方面….
Two reasons or a contrast
- Two reasons in the same direction: on one hand一方面is是for为了study学习，on one hand一方面is是for为了to make friends交朋友。 — "Partly to study, partly to make friends."
- A contrast: on one hand一方面I / me我want / think / miss想to go去，on the other另一方面again又anxious担心to spend money花钱too太many多。 — "On the one hand I want to go; on the other, I worry about spending too much."
partly一方面is是for为了study学习，partly一方面is是for为了make交friends朋友。
Build: “Partly to study, partly to make friends.”
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Parallel halves.
Parallel halves
- Keep both halves in the same shape: on one hand一方面is是…，on one hand一方面is是….
- Do not use on one hand一方面 alone; it needs its partner.
What is wrong with 一方面我想去。?
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一方面 introduces one side and needs its partner: 一方面我想去，另一方面我没有时间. On its own the sentence is incomplete.
Versus not only不但…but also而且…
- not only不但…but also而且… builds up: the second point is stronger.
- on one hand一方面…on one hand一方面… weighs two points equally, often in an argument or explanation.
not only不但cheap便宜，but also而且tasty好吃。
一方面…一方面… weighs two points equally.
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不但…而且… builds up instead.
Recap
- on one hand一方面…，(other另)on one hand一方面… = on the one hand …, on the other ….
- Two parallel aspects or a contrast; always used as a pair.
Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — Complex sentence patterns.
In a class debate, you explain why many young people move to big cities. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.