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B1 phrase #1,900 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

por otro lado

On the other hand.

Top 1,900

At the A1 level, 'por otro lado' might seem a bit complex, but it's very useful for simple comparisons. Think of it as a way to say 'but' when you want to talk about two different things. For example, if you are talking about your house, you can say it is big, and then use 'por otro lado' to say it is far from the city. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember to use it to show a second, different idea. It helps you make your sentences longer and more interesting. Instead of just saying 'The dog is big. The dog is friendly,' you can say 'The dog is big. On the other hand, it is very friendly.' This shows you are starting to connect your thoughts. Even at A1, using this phrase makes you sound much more advanced than someone who only uses 'y' (and) or 'pero' (but). It is a great 'level-up' phrase for beginners who want to express more than just basic facts. You can use it when talking about your hobbies, your family, or your daily routine. For instance, 'I like to play football. On the other hand, I also like to read.' It's a simple way to show variety in your life. Practice saying it out loud to get used to the rhythm: por-otro-lado. It's a very common sound in Spanish!

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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe things in more detail and express your opinions. 'Por otro lado' becomes a vital tool for this. You can use it to weigh the pros and cons of a situation. For example, if you are discussing a job, you can say the salary is good, but on the other hand, the office is far away. This shows you can handle more than one perspective at a time. At A2, you should also start pairing it with 'por un lado' (on one hand). This 'pair' is very common in Spanish and helps you organize your speaking exams or short writing tasks. Imagine you are asked about living in a city versus a village. You can say: 'Por un lado, la ciudad tiene muchas tiendas. Por otro lado, el pueblo es más tranquilo.' This structure is very clear and easy for a listener to follow. It shows that you are moving beyond simple sentences and starting to build 'discourse.' You should also pay attention to the comma that comes after the phrase in writing. It's a small detail, but it makes your writing look much more professional. A2 learners often use 'pero' for everything, so switching to 'por otro lado' occasionally will really impress your teachers and native-speaking friends. It shows a higher level of vocabulary control.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to maintain conversations and express relatively complex opinions. 'Por otro lado' is essential for this. It allows you to develop arguments and show that you understand different facets of a topic. This is the level where you move from simple descriptions to actual discussion. For example, if you are talking about the environment, you might say: 'La energía solar es limpia. Por otro lado, su instalación es costosa.' This isn't just a contrast; it's a balanced argument. B1 learners should also start using 'por otro lado' to transition between different paragraphs in a short essay. It acts as a logical signal to the reader that you are shifting the focus. You might also notice that native speakers use it to introduce a new topic that is related to the previous one but looks at it from a different angle. At this level, you should be comfortable using it both in speech and in writing. You should also be able to distinguish it from other connectors like 'sin embargo' or 'además.' While 'sin embargo' is for direct contradictions, 'por otro lado' is for introducing a different perspective that might not be a direct conflict. Using it correctly shows that you have a good grasp of Spanish logic and can structure your thoughts effectively in a second language.

At the B2 level, your use of 'por otro lado' should be fluid and natural. You should be able to use it in complex debates, formal presentations, and detailed reports. At this stage, you are not just connecting sentences; you are managing the flow of information in a sophisticated way. You might use 'por otro lado' to introduce a counter-argument that you then proceed to debunk, or to provide a comprehensive overview of a multifaceted issue. For instance, in a business context, you might say: 'El mercado europeo es estable. Por otro lado, los mercados emergentes ofrecen un mayor potencial de crecimiento, aunque con más riesgo.' Here, the phrase is doing heavy lifting, balancing stability against growth and risk. B2 learners should also be aware of the stylistic variations, such as using 'por otra parte' to avoid repetition in longer texts. You should also be able to use the phrase with different intonations to convey subtle meanings, such as irony or hesitation. At this level, the placement of the phrase can also vary slightly for emphasis, though the beginning of the clause remains the most common. Your ability to use 'por otro lado' to create a nuanced, balanced, and persuasive argument is a key indicator of your progress toward fluency. It shows that you can think critically in Spanish and express that criticality through precise linguistic choices.

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At the C1 level, 'por otro lado' is a tool for rhetorical precision. You are expected to use it to navigate through highly abstract and complex topics with ease. At this level, the phrase is often used in academic writing, legal documents, and high-level political discourse. It serves to structure a dialectic process—thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. You might use it to introduce a subtle nuance that changes the entire interpretation of a previous point. For example: 'La globalización ha fomentado el intercambio cultural; por otro lado, ha exacerbado las desigualdades estructurales en las periferias económicas.' The contrast here is not just between two facts, but between two large-scale socio-economic phenomena. C1 learners should also be adept at using 'por otro lado' in conjunction with a wide range of other sophisticated connectors like 'no obstante,' 'por consiguiente,' or 'en última instancia.' You should be able to maintain the logical thread of a long, complex discourse where 'por otro lado' acts as one of several signposts. Furthermore, at this level, you can use the phrase to introduce 'asides' or related but distinct lines of inquiry without losing the main point. Your mastery of this connector reflects a deep understanding of Spanish stylistic conventions and the ability to produce coherent, well-structured text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

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At the C2 level, 'por otro lado' is used with the effortless precision of a native speaker who has a high degree of literary or professional education. It is no longer just a connector; it is part of the rhythmic and logical fabric of your speech and writing. You use it to manage complex information streams, often in real-time during high-stakes negotiations or academic defenses. At this level, you might use 'por otro lado' to introduce a philosophical paradox or to balance multiple competing interests in a highly nuanced way. For example, in a literary critique: 'La obra de Cervantes, por un lado, parodia las novelas de caballería; por otro lado, constituye la piedra angular de la novela moderna, trascendiendo el género que intenta satirizar.' Here, the phrase helps articulate a sophisticated literary theory. You also use it to manage register perfectly, knowing exactly when 'por otro lado' is more appropriate than the more formal 'por otra parte' or the more aggressive 'por el contrario.' Your use of the phrase is characterized by its perfect integration into the overall structure of your discourse, contributing to a seamless flow of ideas. At C2, you are also capable of using the phrase to create subtle rhetorical effects, such as suspense or a sudden shift in perspective that recontextualizes everything said previously. It is a mark of complete linguistic and conceptual mastery.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

por otro lado en 30 secondes

Used to introduce a contrasting or different perspective in a conversation or text.
Functions exactly like the English phrase 'on the other hand' to balance arguments.
Commonly paired with 'por un lado' to create a clear 'this vs. that' structure.
Essential for reaching intermediate (B1) fluency and beyond in Spanish discourse.

The phrase por otro lado is a cornerstone of Spanish discourse, acting as a logical bridge that introduces a contrasting or complementary perspective. In its most literal sense, it translates to 'by another side,' but its functional equivalent in English is 'on the other hand' or 'from another point of view.' This connector is essential for creating cohesive arguments and balanced descriptions. It allows a speaker to acknowledge one set of facts or opinions before pivoting to a different, often opposing, set of ideas. This linguistic tool is not merely about opposition; it is about providing a holistic view of a situation. When you use por otro lado, you are signaling to your listener that the previous point was only part of the story and that there is more to consider. It functions as a transition marker that helps organize thoughts into a structured 'this versus that' format.

Semantic Function: It serves as a contrastive discourse marker, used to introduce a new aspect of a topic that differs from the one previously mentioned.

Syntactic Role: Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma, to set the stage for the contrasting information.

El coche es muy rápido; por otro lado, consume mucho combustible.

In academic and formal writing, this phrase is indispensable. It provides a way to weigh pros and cons without sounding repetitive. It is often paired with por un lado (on one hand) to create a perfectly balanced rhetorical structure. However, it can also stand alone if the first perspective was implied or previously established in the conversation. For example, if someone is discussing the benefits of remote work, they might suddenly say, 'Por otro lado, la soledad puede ser un problema,' introducing the downside without having explicitly said 'por un lado' earlier. This flexibility makes it one of the most used connectors in the Spanish language, appearing in everything from news reports to casual dinner conversations. It suggests a level of intellectual maturity in the speaker, showing they can see multiple facets of a single issue.

Me encanta vivir en la ciudad. Por otro lado, a veces extraño el silencio del campo.

Register: Neutral to Formal. It is appropriate for both daily speech and professional writing.

La tecnología facilita la vida; por otro lado, reduce la privacidad.

Estudiar es difícil. Por otro lado, las recompensas son grandes.

El clima es cálido aquí. Por otro lado, hay mucha humedad.

Furthermore, por otro lado can be used to introduce a new topic that is related but distinct, similar to 'meanwhile' or 'additionally' in some contexts, though contrast remains its primary function. It is the linguistic equivalent of a balance scale, ensuring that both sides of an argument are given weight. Mastery of this phrase allows Spanish learners to move beyond simple sentences and begin constructing complex, nuanced paragraphs that reflect real-world thinking and debate.

Using por otro lado effectively requires an understanding of sentence structure and logical flow. It is most commonly used as a transition between two sentences or two independent clauses. When starting a new sentence to provide contrast, the phrase is almost always followed by a comma. This pause allows the reader or listener to prepare for the shift in perspective. For example: 'El plan es ambicioso. Por otro lado, los recursos son limitados.' Here, the phrase clearly separates the ambition from the reality of the resources. It can also be used within a single sentence, separated by a semicolon or a comma, though the semicolon is often preferred for clarity in formal writing.

Placement Strategy: Place it at the start of the second point you wish to make. If you used 'por un lado' earlier, 'por otro lado' should follow to complete the pair.

Por un lado, quiero viajar; por otro lado, necesito ahorrar dinero.

One of the most important rules is the 'Balance Rule.' If you introduce a topic with 'por un lado' (on one hand), the listener instinctively expects a 'por otro lado' to follow. Failing to provide the second half can leave the sentence feeling incomplete. However, 'por otro lado' can be used independently if the contrast is clear from the context. In spoken Spanish, it is often used to gently disagree with someone. If a friend says, 'This restaurant is great,' you might respond, 'Sí, la comida es buena. Por otro lado, es muy caro,' which is a polite way to introduce a negative aspect without being confrontational.

Punctuation Tip: Always use a comma after the phrase: 'Por otro lado, [sentence].' Never skip this comma in writing.

La película fue larga; por otro lado, la actuación fue increíble.

Advanced users should note that por otro lado doesn't always have to be at the very beginning. While rare, it can be embedded: 'Los resultados, por otro lado, fueron decepcionantes.' This puts more emphasis on the subject ('los resultados'). However, for B1 learners, sticking to the beginning of the clause is the safest and most natural-sounding approach. It is also vital to ensure that the two points being connected are actually related. You wouldn't say, 'I like dogs. On the other hand, the moon is round.' The contrast must be logical and relevant to the topic at hand.

El invierno es frío. Por otro lado, la nieve es hermosa.

Common Pairing: Por un lado... por otro lado... (On one hand... on the other hand...)

Es un trabajo bien pagado. Por otro lado, requiere muchas horas.

You will encounter por otro lado in a vast array of settings, from the highly formal to the completely casual. In the world of Spanish media, news anchors and journalists use it constantly to present balanced reports. If a news segment is discussing a new government policy, the reporter might first list the benefits cited by officials and then transition with 'por otro lado' to discuss the criticisms from the opposition. This usage is crucial for maintaining journalistic objectivity. Similarly, in talk shows and debates, participants use it to acknowledge their opponent's point before introducing their own counter-argument, making the discussion feel more reasoned and less like a simple shouting match.

'La economía está creciendo; por otro lado, la inflación sigue alta', dijo el reportero.

In professional environments, such as business meetings or academic lectures, por otro lado is a staple. A manager might use it when reviewing a project: 'The design is perfect. On the other hand, the production costs are too high.' It allows for constructive criticism that is framed within a broader context. In universities, professors use it to explore different theories or historical interpretations, helping students see the complexity of a subject. If you are listening to a Spanish podcast or watching a YouTube video about personal development or technology, you will likely hear this phrase several times as the creator weighs different options or lifestyle choices.

Media Context: Extremely common in news, editorials, and documentaries to show 'the other side' of a story.

En el debate, el candidato dijo: 'Por otro lado, debemos pensar en el medio ambiente'.

In daily life, the phrase is just as prevalent. Friends discussing where to go on vacation, parents weighing which school is better for their children, or even someone talking to themselves about what to eat for dinner will use por otro lado. It is a natural part of the human decision-making process reflected in language. Because it is so common, hearing it becomes a marker for learners that they are following the logical flow of a conversation. It acts as a 'signpost' that says, 'Pay attention, the direction of the argument is about to change.' Whether you are reading a novel, watching a telenovela, or chatting at a café in Madrid, this phrase will be your constant companion.

'Me gusta la casa. Por otro lado, está muy lejos del centro'.

Academic Context: Used to introduce counter-evidence or alternative hypotheses in research papers.

El autor defiende esta tesis. Por otro lado, otros expertos no están de acuerdo.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with por otro lado is failing to provide a genuine contrast. Since the phrase implies 'on the other hand,' the information that follows must actually represent a different side or a counterpoint to the previous statement. Using it to simply add more of the same information is a logical error. For example, saying 'I like apples. On the other hand, I like red fruit' is confusing because red fruit includes apples. Instead, one should use 'además' (besides) or 'también' (also) for additive information. Another common mistake is grammatical: forgetting the comma. In Spanish, discourse markers like this are almost always set off by punctuation to indicate their role as connectors rather than part of the core sentence structure.

Mistake 1: Lack of Contrast: Using the phrase when you are actually adding similar information. Use 'además' instead.

Incorrect: Es inteligente. Por otro lado, saca buenas notas. (These are not contrasting!)

Learners also frequently confuse por otro lado with de otro modo or de otra manera. While they all involve the word 'other' and 'way/side,' they have very different meanings. De otro modo means 'otherwise' or 'in a different way' (e.g., 'Do it this way, otherwise it won't work'). Using por otro lado in that context would be nonsensical. Additionally, some learners try to translate 'on the other hand' too literally, resulting in 'en la otra mano,' which is a physical description of a hand and never used as a logical connector in Spanish. This is a classic 'false friend' of structural translation that should be avoided at all costs.

Mistake 2: Literal Translation: Saying 'en la otra mano'. This is only for physical hands, not for ideas.

Incorrect: En la otra mano, no tengo dinero. Correct: Por otro lado, no tengo dinero.

Finally, there is the issue of overusing the phrase. While it is useful, using it in every other sentence can make your Spanish sound mechanical and repetitive. Native speakers vary their connectors, using 'sin embargo' (however), 'en cambio' (instead/on the other hand), or 'no obstante' (nevertheless) to keep the flow of speech interesting. A common stylistic mistake is starting a paragraph with 'por otro lado' without any preceding context. Since it is a connector, it requires something to connect *from*. Without a previous point, the 'other side' has no 'first side' to lean on. Always ensure your discourse has a clear logical progression before reaching for this phrase.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Por otra parte': Actually, these are synonyms! The mistake is thinking they are different. You can use them interchangeably.

¿Por otro lado o por otra parte? Ambos son correctos y significan lo mismo.

Understanding the nuances between por otro lado and its synonyms is key to reaching a higher level of Spanish proficiency. The most direct synonym is por otra parte. In almost every context, these two are interchangeable. They both function as 'on the other hand' or 'moreover' with a hint of contrast. However, en cambio is another very common alternative. While por otro lado introduces a different aspect of a topic, en cambio usually highlights a direct opposition or a sharp contrast between two subjects. For instance, 'Juan es alto; en cambio, su hermano es bajo.' Using por otro lado here would be okay, but en cambio feels more precise for direct comparison.

Comparison: Por otro lado vs. Sin embargo: 'Sin embargo' means 'however'. It is used to introduce a contradiction. 'Por otro lado' is broader; it can introduce a contradiction OR just a different perspective that isn't necessarily a conflict.

Quiero ir a la fiesta; sin embargo, estoy cansado. (Contradiction)

Another similar phrase is no obstante, which is the formal equivalent of 'nevertheless' or 'nonetheless.' It is much more common in writing than in speech. While por otro lado is neutral, no obstante carries a heavy, academic tone. Then there is por el contrario, which means 'on the contrary.' This is used when the second point completely negates or reverses the first point. If someone says, 'I thought you hated pizza,' you might reply, '¡Por el contrario, me encanta!' This is much stronger than por otro lado, which simply adds a different side rather than a total reversal. Understanding these degrees of contrast helps you choose the right word for the right situation.

Comparison: Por otro lado vs. Además: 'Además' means 'besides' or 'furthermore'. It adds more of the same. 'Por otro lado' shifts the focus to a different angle.

Es barato y, además, es de buena calidad. (Both are positive points)

Finally, consider mientras que (while/whereas). This is used to contrast two things simultaneously within the same sentence. 'Yo estudio medicina, mientras que mi hermano estudia arte.' This provides a parallel contrast. Por otro lado is usually more sequential, dealing with one full thought before moving to the next. By mastering this family of contrastive markers, you can avoid the 'B1 plateau' and start expressing yourself with the precision of a native speaker. Each of these words has its own 'flavor' and social context, and knowing when to use which one is a hallmark of linguistic fluency.

Quick List of Alternatives: 1. Por otra parte (Synonym) 2. En cambio (Contrast) 3. Sin embargo (However) 4. No obstante (Formal) 5. Por el contrario (Opposition)

No es feo; por el contrario, es muy guapo.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

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Exemples par niveau

Me gusta el sol. Por otro lado, me gusta la lluvia.

I like the sun. On the other hand, I like the rain.

Simple contrast between two preferences.

El café es bueno. Por otro lado, el té es sano.

Coffee is good. On the other hand, tea is healthy.

Using the phrase to show a different benefit.

Mi casa es grande. Por otro lado, es vieja.

My house is big. On the other hand, it is old.

Contrasting a positive and a negative attribute.

Juan es alto. Por otro lado, Pedro es bajo.

Juan is tall. On the other hand, Pedro is short.

Comparing two people.

Hoy hace calor. Por otro lado, hay viento.

Today it is hot. On the other hand, it is windy.

Describing weather conditions.

Estudio español. Por otro lado, estudio música.

I study Spanish. On the other hand, I study music.

Listing different activities.

El coche es rojo. Por otro lado, la moto es azul.

The car is red. On the other hand, the motorcycle is blue.

Simple color contrast.

Como fruta. Por otro lado, como verdura.

I eat fruit. On the other hand, I eat vegetables.

Showing variety in diet.

Vivir en Madrid es divertido. Por otro lado, es muy caro.

Living in Madrid is fun. On the other hand, it is very expensive.

Common A2 topic: city life.

Por un lado, quiero ir al cine. Por otro lado, prefiero dormir.

On one hand, I want to go to the cinema. On the other hand, I prefer to sleep.

Classic 'por un lado... por otro lado' pairing.

El examen fue fácil. Por otro lado, fue muy largo.

The exam was easy. On the other hand, it was very long.

Contrasting difficulty and length.

La comida está rica. Por otro lado, no tiene mucha sal.

The food is tasty. On the other hand, it doesn't have much salt.

Describing food qualities.

Me gusta mi trabajo. Por otro lado, tengo poco tiempo libre.

I like my job. On the other hand, I have little free time.

Discussing work-life balance.

El hotel es bonito. Por otro lado, está lejos de la playa.

The hotel is nice. On the other hand, it is far from the beach.

Evaluating a holiday location.

Aprendo rápido. Por otro lado, olvido las palabras pronto.

I learn fast. On the other hand, I forget words quickly.

Reflecting on the learning process.

Es un buen perro. Por otro lado, ladra mucho por la noche.

He is a good dog. On the other hand, he barks a lot at night.

Describing pet behavior.

Internet es útil para estudiar. Por otro lado, puede ser una distracción.

The internet is useful for studying. On the other hand, it can be a distraction.

B1 level: discussing technology impacts.

El transporte público es ecológico. Por otro lado, suele ser impuntual.

Public transport is eco-friendly. On the other hand, it is usually unpunctual.

Evaluating social services.

Viajar solo te da libertad. Por otro lado, a veces te sientes solo.

Traveling alone gives you freedom. On the other hand, sometimes you feel lonely.

Discussing personal experiences and feelings.

La tecnología nos conecta. Por otro lado, reduce el contacto humano real.

Technology connects us. On the other hand, it reduces real human contact.

Developing a balanced argument.

Es una gran oportunidad laboral. Por otro lado, implica mudarse de país.

It's a great job opportunity. On the other hand, it involves moving countries.

Weighing professional decisions.

Las redes sociales informan rápido. Por otro lado, difunden noticias falsas.

Social media informs quickly. On the other hand, it spreads fake news.

Analyzing modern media.

El bilingüismo abre puertas. Por otro lado, requiere un esfuerzo constante.

Bilingualism opens doors. On the other hand, it requires constant effort.

Discussing language learning.

Comprar ropa barata ahorra dinero. Por otro lado, suele durar poco tiempo.

Buying cheap clothes saves money. On the other hand, it usually lasts a short time.

Consumer habits and consequences.

La globalización ha impulsado el comercio. Por otro lado, ha dañado industrias locales.

Globalization has boosted trade. On the other hand, it has damaged local industries.

B2 level: socio-economic analysis.

El teletrabajo mejora la conciliación. Por otro lado, difumina los límites laborales.

Remote work improves work-life balance. On the other hand, it blurs work boundaries.

Discussing modern workplace trends.

La inteligencia artificial es fascinante. Por otro lado, plantea dilemas éticos graves.

Artificial intelligence is fascinating. On the other hand, it poses serious ethical dilemmas.

Evaluating complex technological issues.

El turismo masivo genera ingresos. Por otro lado, degrada el patrimonio cultural.

Mass tourism generates income. On the other hand, it degrades cultural heritage.

Analyzing environmental and cultural impacts.

Las dietas estrictas dan resultados rápidos. Por otro lado, pueden ser perjudiciales.

Strict diets give quick results. On the other hand, they can be harmful.

Discussing health and lifestyle.

El sistema educativo es inclusivo. Por otro lado, carece de recursos suficientes.

The education system is inclusive. On the other hand, it lacks sufficient resources.

Critiquing institutional structures.

La energía nuclear es eficiente. Por otro lado, el manejo de residuos es un problema.

Nuclear energy is efficient. On the other hand, waste management is a problem.

Scientific and environmental debate.

La libertad de expresión es fundamental. Por otro lado, no debe amparar el odio.

Freedom of speech is fundamental. On the other hand, it should not protect hate.

Discussing legal and moral rights.

La reforma fiscal busca la equidad. Por otro lado, podría desincentivar la inversión.

The tax reform seeks equity. On the other hand, it could discourage investment.

C1 level: high-level economic discourse.

El autor utiliza un lenguaje lírico. Por otro lado, la trama resulta algo inconexa.

The author uses lyrical language. On the other hand, the plot is somewhat disconnected.

Literary criticism.

La descentralización acerca el poder al ciudadano. Por otro lado, fragmenta la gestión.

Decentralization brings power closer to the citizen. On the other hand, it fragments management.

Political science terminology.

El avance médico prolonga la vida. Por otro lado, encarece los sistemas de salud.

Medical advancement prolongs life. On the other hand, it makes health systems more expensive.

Discussing systemic societal challenges.

La arquitectura moderna es funcional. Por otro lado, a menudo carece de alma.

Modern architecture is functional. On the other hand, it often lacks soul.

Aesthetic and philosophical evaluation.

El bilingüismo cognitivo es una ventaja. Por otro lado, la interferencia es inevitable.

Cognitive bilingualism is an advantage. On the other hand, interference is inevitable.

Linguistic and psychological analysis.

La meritocracia suena justa. Por otro lado, ignora las desigualdades de partida.

Meritocracy sounds fair. On the other hand, it ignores starting inequalities.

Sociological critique.

El tratado comercial elimina aranceles. Por otro lado, impone normativas estrictas.

The trade treaty eliminates tariffs. On the other hand, it imposes strict regulations.

International relations and law.

La dialéctica hegeliana propone una síntesis. Por otro lado, la realidad es a menudo caótica.

Hegelian dialectics proposes a synthesis. On the other hand, reality is often chaotic.

C2 level: philosophical abstraction.

El realismo mágico define la región. Por otro lado, es una etiqueta a veces reduccionista.

Magical realism defines the region. On the other hand, it is a sometimes reductionist label.

Advanced cultural and literary theory.

La soberanía nacional es inalienable. Por otro lado, la interdependencia global es un hecho.

National sovereignty is inalienable. On the other hand, global interdependence is a fact.

Geopolitical complexity.

El algoritmo optimiza la eficiencia. Por otro lado, perpetúa sesgos algorítmicos invisibles.

The algorithm optimizes efficiency. On the other hand, it perpetuates invisible algorithmic biases.

Technical and ethical synthesis.

La austeridad puede sanear las cuentas. Por otro lado, suele asfixiar el crecimiento social.

Austerity can clean up accounts. On the other hand, it usually stifles social growth.

Macroeconomic debate.

La neurociencia explica la conducta. Por otro lado, el libre albedrío sigue siendo un misterio.

Neuroscience explains behavior. On the other hand, free will remains a mystery.

Science vs. Philosophy.

La vanguardia rompe con la tradición. Por otro lado, se nutre de sus ruinas.

The avant-garde breaks with tradition. On the other hand, it feeds on its ruins.

Art history and theory.

La diplomacia evita el conflicto. Por otro lado, a veces solo pospone lo inevitable.

Diplomacy avoids conflict. On the other hand, sometimes it only postpones the inevitable.

Nuanced political observation.

Collocations courantes

por un lado...

pero por otro lado

y por otro lado

aunque por otro lado

sin embargo por otro lado

mirándolo por otro lado

visto por otro lado

analizado por otro lado

considerando por otro lado

por otro lado cabe destacar

Phrases Courantes

Por un lado... por otro lado

Pero por otro lado...

Y por otro lado...

Por otro lado, hay que decir...

Por otro lado, es cierto que...

Por otro lado, no hay que olvidar...

Por otro lado, se comenta que...

Por otro lado, resulta que...

Por otro lado, cabe mencionar...

Por otro lado, está el tema de...

Souvent confondu avec

por otro lado vs De otro modo

por otro lado vs En la otra mano

por otro lado vs Por otro parte

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

por otro lado vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

logic

Requires a preceding context.

interchangeability

100% interchangeable with 'por otra parte'.

Erreurs courantes

Usar 'en la otra mano' (traducción literal del inglés).
Olvidar la coma después de la locución.
Usarlo para añadir información similar en lugar de contrastar.
Confundirlo con 'de otro modo' (otherwise).
Usarlo sin un contexto previo que justifique el 'otro' lado.

Astuces

Usa la coma

Siempre pon una coma después de 'Por otro lado' al empezar una frase. Esto mejora la legibilidad de tus textos y demuestra que conoces las reglas de puntuación del español.

Pausa para efecto

Cuando hables, haz una pequeña pausa después de decir la frase. Esto le da tiempo al oyente para prepararse para el cambio de perspectiva que vas a introducir.

Varía tus conectores

No uses 'por otro lado' en cada párrafo. Alterna con 'por otra parte' o 'en cambio' para que tu español suene más rico y variado.

Busca el equilibrio

Úsalo para mostrar que eres capaz de ver ambos lados de un problema. Es una excelente herramienta para debates y exámenes orales de nivel B1 y B2.

Atento a las noticias

Escucha las noticias en español. Notarás que los periodistas usan esta frase constantemente para presentar información equilibrada. Es un gran ejercicio de escucha.

Combina con 'Por un lado'

Para una estructura perfecta, empieza tu primer argumento con 'Por un lado' y el segundo con 'Por otro lado'. Es la fórmula mágica de la cohesión.

Evita la traducción literal

Nunca digas 'en la otra mano'. Aunque en inglés se diga 'on the other hand', en español siempre usamos 'lado' (side) para esta metáfora lógica.

Identifica el cambio

Cuando leas y veas esta frase, detente un momento. Identifica qué idea se está contrastando. Esto te ayudará a entender mejor la estructura del texto.

Suaviza críticas

Úsalo para dar una opinión negativa después de una positiva. 'Tu idea es buena. Por otro lado, es un poco cara.' Suena mucho más diplomático que usar solo 'pero'.

Crea tus propios ejemplos

Intenta escribir cinco frases sobre tu vida diaria usando esta expresión. Por ejemplo, sobre tu comida, tu ciudad o tus hobbies. La práctica hace al maestro.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Standard for news reporting.

Taught early as a key writing connector.

Used to disagree gently.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Qué piensas de vivir aquí? Por un lado es bonito, pero por otro lado..."

"¿Te gusta el nuevo plan? Por otro lado, parece difícil."

"¿Qué prefieres, playa o montaña? Por otro lado, la montaña es más fresca."

"¿Crees que es buena idea? Por otro lado, es arriesgado."

"¿Viste la película? Por otro lado, el final fue raro."

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de tu trabajo usando 'por otro lado'.

Compara dos ciudades que conoces.

Habla sobre un dilema que tengas actualmente.

Describe tu comida favorita y algo que no te guste de ella.

Escribe sobre los pros y contras de las redes sociales.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Sí, son exactamente lo mismo. Puedes usar cualquiera de las dos para variar tu lenguaje. No hay ninguna diferencia gramatical o de significado entre ellas. Ambas son muy comunes en el español hablado y escrito. Los hablantes nativos las usan indistintamente para evitar sonar repetitivos en un mismo texto.

Casi siempre. Cuando empiezas una oración con 'Por otro lado', debes poner una coma justo después. Esto ayuda a separar el conector del resto de la idea. En medio de una oración, suele ir precedido de un punto y coma y seguido de una coma. Es una regla de puntuación estándar para los conectores de discurso.

Sí, es perfectamente posible. Aunque a menudo se usan juntos, puedes usar 'por otro lado' solo si el primer punto ya ha sido mencionado o es obvio por el contexto. No es obligatorio empezar siempre con 'por un lado'. Simplemente sirve para introducir una perspectiva diferente a la que se acaba de decir.

Es neutro. Esto significa que puedes usarlo en una conversación con amigos o en un ensayo universitario. Es una de esas frases versátiles que encajan en cualquier situación. Sin embargo, en contextos extremadamente formales, algunos escritores prefieren 'por otra parte' o 'no obstante', pero 'por otro lado' nunca suena mal.

No exactamente. 'Sin embargo' se usa para una contradicción directa (como 'but'). 'Por otro lado' se usa para dar otra perspectiva o un punto adicional que contrasta, pero no necesariamente contradice. Es un matiz sutil pero importante para sonar natural en español.

No como conector. 'En el otro lado' se refiere a una ubicación física, como 'en el otro lado de la calle'. Para conectar ideas, siempre debes usar la preposición 'por'. Decir 'en el otro lado' para contrastar ideas es un error común de traducción literal del inglés.

El error más común es usarlo cuando no hay contraste. Si solo estás añadiendo más información positiva a una lista de cosas positivas, deberías usar 'además'. 'Por otro lado' requiere que el nuevo punto sea diferente o represente una 'cara' distinta del asunto.

Se usa en todo el mundo hispanohablante. Es una expresión universal del español. No importa si estás en México, Argentina o España, todos entenderán y usarán 'por otro lado' de la misma manera. Es una de las frases más seguras de aprender.

No, no es común. A diferencia de 'though' en inglés, que puede ir al final, 'por otro lado' siempre va al principio de la idea que introduce. Ponerlo al final sonaría muy extraño y poco natural para un nativo.

Sí, 'en cambio' es una alternativa más corta y muy común. También puedes usar 'pero' si el contraste es simple. Sin embargo, 'por otro lado' es la mejor opción cuando quieres sonar equilibrado y organizado.

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