Por otra parte
On the other hand
Wörtlich: By another part
Use it to balance your arguments and show you've considered multiple perspectives in a conversation.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to introduce a contrasting or additional point of view.
- Equivalent to the English transition 'on the other hand'.
- Works in both formal writing and casual spoken conversations.
Bedeutung
Think of this as a way to pivot your conversation. You use it to introduce a second point that adds to or contrasts with what you just said, like showing the other side of a coin.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Discussing a job offer
El sueldo es muy bueno. Por otra parte, el horario es muy pesado.
The salary is very good. On the other hand, the schedule is very demanding.
Texting a friend about a party
Tengo muchas ganas de ir. Por otra parte, estoy cansadísimo.
I really want to go. On the other hand, I'm super tired.
A humorous observation about a pet
Mi gato es adorable. Por otra parte, es un pequeño dictador.
My cat is adorable. On the other hand, he is a little dictator.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is a pillar of 'discurso argumentativo' (argumentative discourse) in Spanish. It is widely used in Spain and Latin America to maintain a polite and balanced tone during disagreements. It became particularly prominent in 19th-century journalism as a way to present objective, multi-sided stories.
The 'Twin' Phrase
If you find yourself saying `por otra parte` too often, swap it for `por otro lado`. They mean exactly the same thing and will make you sound more varied.
Don't Overuse It
Using this phrase in every other sentence makes you sound like you can't make up your mind. Use it once or twice per conversation for maximum impact.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to introduce a contrasting or additional point of view.
- Equivalent to the English transition 'on the other hand'.
- Works in both formal writing and casual spoken conversations.
What It Means
Por otra parte is your ultimate balancing tool. It functions exactly like "on the other hand" in English. You use it when you want to present a different perspective. It helps you weigh two options or facts. It tells your listener that the first thing you said isn't the whole story. It’s perfect for showing you are a thoughtful, balanced thinker.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is actually quite simple. You usually place it at the beginning of a new sentence. You can also put it after a comma in the middle of a sentence. It doesn't require any special verb tenses like the subjunctive. Just say your first thought, add por otra parte, and then say your second thought. It acts like a bridge between two distinct ideas. It makes your Spanish sound much more fluid and professional.
When To Use It
Reach for this phrase during a debate or a work meeting. It’s great when you're weighing the pros and cons of a big decision. Use it when choosing between two travel destinations with friends. It’s also very common in academic writing or news reports. If you're texting a friend about a date, use it to mention one good thing and one bad thing. It shows you’re looking at the big picture.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use it if you are just listing similar things. If you like apples and you also like pears, just use y or además. Avoid it in very fast, slang-heavy conversations where brevity is king. If you use it too much in one paragraph, you’ll sound like a repetitive lawyer. Also, don't use it if the second point doesn't relate to the first one at all. It needs a logical connection to work.
Cultural Background
Spanish culture values deep conversation and healthy debate. Being able to see "the other side" is considered a sign of intelligence and education. This phrase has been a staple of Spanish rhetoric for centuries. It reflects a cultural tendency to explore nuances rather than just seeing things in black and white. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a shrug and a thoughtful nod during a tapas session.
Common Variations
Por otro lado is the most common twin of this phrase. They are almost 100% interchangeable in daily life. If you want to sound a bit more formal, you might use en cambio. If you are pointing out a direct contradiction, por el contrario is your best bet. For a very casual vibe, some people just say pero bueno to pivot. Stick with por otra parte for a safe, neutral-to-formal feel.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for almost any situation. Just remember to use a comma after it if it starts a sentence for better readability.
The 'Twin' Phrase
If you find yourself saying `por otra parte` too often, swap it for `por otro lado`. They mean exactly the same thing and will make you sound more varied.
Don't Overuse It
Using this phrase in every other sentence makes you sound like you can't make up your mind. Use it once or twice per conversation for maximum impact.
The Polite Disagreement
In Spanish culture, starting a rebuttal with `Por otra parte...` is a very polite way to disagree without being confrontational. It acknowledges the other person's point first.
Beispiele
6El sueldo es muy bueno. Por otra parte, el horario es muy pesado.
The salary is very good. On the other hand, the schedule is very demanding.
Here it balances a positive fact with a negative one.
Tengo muchas ganas de ir. Por otra parte, estoy cansadísimo.
I really want to go. On the other hand, I'm super tired.
Used to express internal conflict between desire and physical state.
Mi gato es adorable. Por otra parte, es un pequeño dictador.
My cat is adorable. On the other hand, he is a little dictator.
Used to create a funny contrast between appearance and personality.
La playa es hermosa. Por otra parte, la montaña es más tranquila.
The beach is beautiful. On the other hand, the mountains are quieter.
Comparing two different but equally valid options.
Me duele que te vayas. Por otra parte, sé que es lo mejor para ti.
It hurts that you're leaving. On the other hand, I know it's best for you.
Balances personal sadness with logical acceptance.
La demanda ha crecido. Por otra parte, los costes de producción han subido.
Demand has grown. On the other hand, production costs have risen.
Standard professional use to show economic complexity.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to complete the contrast.
Me encanta vivir en la ciudad. ___, el ruido es insoportable.
The sentence presents a contrast (loving the city vs. hating the noise), making 'Por otra parte' the correct transition.
Complete the thought about a new restaurant.
La comida es excelente; ___, el servicio es muy lento.
'Por otra parte' is used here to introduce a negative aspect after a positive one.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Por otra parte'
Used with friends, though 'por otro lado' is slightly more common here.
Quiero ir, pero por otra parte no tengo dinero.
The sweet spot for this phrase. Perfect for daily interactions.
Es un buen plan. Por otra parte, prefiero descansar.
Very common in essays, news, and business meetings.
El informe es positivo. Por otra parte, hay riesgos.
Where to use 'Por otra parte'
Work Meeting
Analyzing pros and cons of a strategy.
Dating
Telling a friend about a 'mixed bag' date.
Shopping
Deciding between two expensive items.
Writing
Structuring an essay or a blog post.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenThere is virtually no difference in meaning. Por otro lado is slightly more common in casual speech, while por otra parte can feel a tiny bit more structured, but they are interchangeable.
No, it almost always appears at the beginning of a clause or sentence to introduce the new idea. For example: ...Por otra parte, no quiero ir.
Not at all! It's neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your boss without sounding weird.
No, it is followed by the indicative. It’s a simple transition phrase that doesn't trigger any special mood changes in the verb.
You can use Por una parte or Por un lado. Using Por una parte... por otra parte... creates a perfectly balanced sentence structure.
Not exactly. While it adds information, it usually implies a contrast or a different angle. For 'besides', use además.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina and everywhere in between.
You could use no obstante or sin embargo, although those lean more towards 'however' than 'on the other hand'.
No, the second point should still relate to the general topic you were discussing. It's for adding a perspective, not starting a new conversation.
Yes, de otra parte is sometimes used, especially in older texts or specific regions, but por otra parte is much more standard today.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Por otro lado
On the other hand (synonym)
En cambio
In contrast / Instead
Por una parte
On one hand
Sin embargo
However / Nevertheless
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen