1.
the other party, the other side
Refers to the other person or group in a situation involving two parties.
他方の意見も聞くべきだ。
We should also listen to the other party's opinion.
契約の他方の当事者に通知する。
Notify the other party to the contract.
一方では賛成、他方では反対の声がある。
There are voices in favor on one hand and against on the other.
2.
on the other hand, meanwhile
Used as a conjunctive expression to introduce a contrasting or alternative viewpoint. More formal than 一方 in this sense.
一方では賛成、他方では反対の声がある。
There are voices in favor on one hand and against on the other.
経済は成長した。他方、格差も広がった。
The economy grew. On the other hand, inequality also widened.
この政策には利点がある。他方、課題も少なくない。
This policy has advantages. On the other hand, there are also considerable challenges.
都市部では人口が増えているが、他方、地方では減少が続いている。
The population is increasing in urban areas, but on the other hand, the decline continues in rural areas.
Often used in formal writing and academic contexts. When used as a conjunction, it typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to present a contrasting point. Frequently paired with 一方 (one side/on one hand) in the pattern 一方では…他方では… (on one hand... on the other hand...).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 一方では…他方では… (on one hand... on the other hand...)
- 他方、〜 (on the other hand, ~)