The Persian phrase از طرف دیگر (az taraf-e digar) is a sophisticated transitional expression that translates literally to "from the other side." In practice, it functions exactly like the English conjunctive adverbial phrase "on the other hand." It is a cornerstone of Persian rhetoric, essential for anyone aiming to reach an intermediate or advanced level of fluency. Its primary purpose is to introduce a contrasting idea, a counter-argument, or a secondary perspective that differs from what was previously stated. When you use this phrase, you are signaling to your listener or reader that you are about to present a balanced view, moving from one facet of a situation to another. It is particularly common in analytical discussions, academic writing, and formal debates where weighing pros and cons is necessary. However, it is also frequently heard in everyday conversation when someone is explaining a complex decision or a multifaceted problem. The phrase is built from three distinct parts: the preposition از (az) meaning 'from', the noun طرف (taraf) meaning 'side' or 'direction', and the adjective دیگر (digar) meaning 'other' or 'another'. These are linked by the Ezafe construction (-e), creating a seamless logical bridge.
- Core Function
- To establish a logical contrast or provide an alternative viewpoint within a structured argument or narrative flow.
- Grammatical Role
- It acts as a sentence connector or transitional adverbial phrase, usually placed at the beginning of a sentence or a clause to redirect the focus.
- Level of Formality
- While highly formal and standard in literature, it is universally understood and used in neutral spoken Persian as well.
این پروژه سود زیادی دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، هزینههای آن بسیار بالاست.
— This project has a lot of profit; on the other hand, its costs are very high.
Imagine you are describing a city. You might talk about its beautiful architecture and vibrant culture. But to be honest, you must also mention the traffic or the cost of living. This is where az taraf-e digar comes in. It allows you to pivot smoothly without sounding abrupt. It is often used in conjunction with از یک طرف (az yek taraf - on one hand), though it can certainly stand alone if the first perspective is clearly implied by the context. In Persian culture, where nuance and politeness are valued, being able to present multiple sides of an issue is seen as a sign of intellectual maturity and eloquence.
او میخواهد به خارج برود؛ از طرف دیگر، دوری از خانواده برایش سخت است.
ورزش کردن انرژیبخش است، اما از طرف دیگر، زمان زیادی میبرد.
- Word Breakdown
- Az: Preposition (From).
Taraf: Noun (Side/Direction - Arabic origin).
Digar: Adjective (Other/Else - Persian origin).
تکنولوژی ارتباطات را سریع کرده است؛ از طرف دیگر، تنهایی را افزایش داده است.
او باهوش است، اما از طرف دیگر، خیلی تنبل است.
Using از طرف دیگر correctly requires an understanding of sentence flow and punctuation in Persian. Unlike some conjunctions that must sit between two verbs, this phrase is quite flexible. It usually begins a new sentence after a full stop, or it follows a semicolon to show a close logical link between two independent clauses. In English, we often put a comma after "on the other hand," and while Persian punctuation is sometimes more relaxed, placing a comma after از طرف دیگر is common in modern edited text to help the reader pause and process the contrast. It serves as a mental pivot point. When structuring your argument, start with your first point clearly. If you want to use the classic 'on one hand... on the other hand' structure, begin the first part with از یک طرف (az yek taraf). This sets up an expectation in the reader's mind that a counterpoint is coming. However, even without the first part, از طرف دیگر works perfectly to introduce a nuance that complicates the previous statement.
- Sentence Initial Position
- This is the most common usage. It signals a shift in the paragraph's direction. Example: "...از طرف دیگر، دولت باید به فکر محیط زیست باشد." (On the other hand, the government must think about the environment.)
- Mid-Sentence Insertion
- Occasionally used between clauses separated by 'va' (and) or 'amma' (but) for emphasis. Example: "او خسته بود اما از طرف دیگر نمیخواست بخوابد." (He was tired but on the other hand did not want to sleep.)
یادگیری زبان سخت است؛ از طرف دیگر، دنیای جدیدی را به روی ما میگشاید.
— Learning a language is hard; on the other hand, it opens a new world to us.
One important aspect of using this phrase is the semantic relationship between the two parts. The second part shouldn't just be 'different'; it should ideally be a 'weight' on the other side of the scale. If you say "I like apples, and on the other hand, I like bananas," it sounds slightly strange in both English and Persian because there is no inherent conflict between liking both. Use it when there is a tension, a trade-off, or a contradiction. For instance, "Buying a car is convenient; on the other hand, it is expensive to maintain." Here, 'convenience' and 'expense' are the two sides of the decision-making coin. In Persian, this logical balancing is a key part of persuasive writing (Insha) and professional emails.
قیمتها در حال افزایش است. از طرف دیگر، قدرت خرید مردم کاهش یافته است.
او بسیار بااستعداد است؛ از طرف دیگر، پشتکار کافی ندارد.
- Common Pairings
- Az yek taraf... az taraf-e digar... (On one hand... on the other hand...)
Vali az taraf-e digar... (But on the other hand...)
Amma az taraf-e digar... (But on the other hand...)
سفر با قطار امن است؛ از طرف دیگر، خیلی طول میکشد.
You will encounter از طرف دیگر in a variety of high-stakes environments. First and foremost, it is the bread and butter of Iranian news broadcasts and political commentary. Whether the topic is the nuclear deal, economic inflation, or social reforms, commentators use this phrase to navigate the complex realities of Iranian life. If you listen to BBC Persian or Radio Farda, you will hear it used multiple times in a single segment. It allows journalists to maintain a veneer of objectivity by presenting multiple facets of a story. In the classroom, particularly at the university level in Iran, professors use it during lectures to encourage critical thinking. For example, a sociology professor might discuss the benefits of urbanization while using az taraf-e digar to point out the loss of traditional community ties. It is also a staple of the legal profession; lawyers use it in court to contrast their client's intent with the circumstances of an event.
«ما باید تولید ملی را افزایش دهیم، اما از طرف دیگر به واردات کالاهای اساسی هم نیاز داریم.»
— "We must increase national production, but on the other hand, we also need to import basic goods." (Common economic discourse)
Beyond formal settings, you'll hear it in family discussions and decision-making. When a family is deciding whether to buy a house in the city center or the suburbs, they will weigh the proximity to work against the noise and pollution. A father might say, "The city center is close to my office; az taraf-e digar, the air quality is terrible for the kids." In this context, the phrase helps structure a potentially emotional discussion into a logical one. It is also found in Persian literature and cinema. In modern Iranian films (like those of Asghar Farhadi), characters often find themselves in moral dilemmas where there is no clear right answer. The dialogue often reflects this internal and external conflict through contrastive phrases like this one, highlighting the gray areas of human experience.
زندگی در تهران پر از هیجان است؛ از طرف دیگر، ترافیک آن کلافهکننده است.
او معلم دلسوزی است؛ از طرف دیگر، نمرات را خیلی سخت میگیرد.
- Media Usage
- Found in: News headlines, debate panels, documentary narrations, and podcast discussions about social issues.
فضای مجازی فرصتهای شغلی زیادی ایجاد کرده، اما از طرف دیگر امنیت کاربران را به خطر انداخته است.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with از طرف دیگر is omitting the Ezafe. In Persian, the relationship between 'taraf' (side) and 'digar' (other) must be marked by the short vowel '-e'. Saying "az taraf digar" is a clear sign of a non-native speaker and sounds incomplete to the Persian ear. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Some learners might try to translate "on" literally and use "ru-ye" (on), resulting in "ru-ye taraf-e digar." This is incorrect; in Persian, the concept is framed as "from" (az) the other side, not "on" it. Understanding the underlying logic of Persian prepositions is key to avoiding these literal translation traps. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse az taraf-e digar with be ebarat-e digar (in other words). While they look similar, the former introduces a contrast, while the latter introduces a clarification or paraphrase. Using one when you mean the other will completely change the logical flow of your sentence.
- Mistake 1: Missing Ezafe
- Incorrect: از طرف دیگر (az taraf digar)
Correct: از طرفِ دیگر (az taraf-e digar) - Mistake 2: Literal Translation of "On"
- Incorrect: بر طرف دیگر (bar taraf-e digar)
Correct: از طرف دیگر (az taraf-e digar)
❌ غلط: او پولدار است؛ به عبارت دیگر، خسیس است.
✅ درست: او پولدار است؛ از طرف دیگر، خسیس است.
A more subtle mistake involves the logic of the contrast. As mentioned before, the two ideas being compared must have some level of opposition or tension. If you use az taraf-e digar to connect two similar or complementary ideas, it creates a logical "glitch" for the listener. For example, "He is a doctor, and on the other hand, he is a surgeon" is redundant and logically confusing. In such cases, use همچنین (hamchenin - also) or علاوه بر این (alave bar in - in addition to this). Finally, watch out for the placement of the phrase. While flexible, it sounds most natural at the start of the second point. Putting it at the very end of a sentence (like the English "though" can sometimes be used) is not standard in Persian and will sound awkward.
❌ غلط: او خسته است. او کار میکند از طرف دیگر.
✅ درست: او خسته است؛ از طرف دیگر، باید کار کند.
کتاب خواندن مفید است؛ از طرف دیگر، نباید از دنیای واقعی غافل شد.
Persian is a language rich in synonyms, and از طرف دیگر has several close relatives that you can use to vary your speech and writing. The most common alternative is از سوی دیگر (az su-ye digar). As noted earlier, 'su' and 'taraf' both mean 'side', but 'su' is slightly more formal and is frequently used in high-level literature, legal documents, and poetic prose. Another alternative is در مقابل (dar moqabel), which literally means "in contrast" or "in opposition." This phrase is stronger than az taraf-e digar and is best used when two things are directly opposing each other, like two rival teams or two contradictory theories. If you are looking for something slightly more casual but still effective, در عوض (dar avaz) is a great choice. It translates to "instead" or "in return" and is often used when a negative is balanced by a positive.
- از سوی دیگر (Az Su-ye Digar)
- Very formal. Used in academic papers and formal speeches. "Side" is replaced with "direction/quarter".
- در مقابل (Dar Moqabel)
- Focuses on direct opposition or comparison. Similar to "by contrast".
- در عوض (Dar Avaz)
- Common in daily speech. "The food was expensive, but in return (dar avaz), it was delicious."
خانه کوچک است؛ در عوض، در مرکز شهر قرار دارد.
— The house is small; on the other hand (literally: in return/instead), it is located in the city center.
For more basic contrast, you can always rely on اما (amma) or ولی (vali), both meaning "but." However, these are simple conjunctions and don't provide the same structural 'weight' as از طرف دیگر. If you want to say "nevertheless" or "nonetheless," you might use با این حال (ba in hal) or با این وجود (ba in vojud). These phrases are used when the second point is true despite the first point. Understanding the subtle differences between these connectors will help you express complex thoughts more precisely. For example, use az taraf-e digar when presenting two valid sides of a coin, and ba in hal when one side seems to negate the other but doesn't.
او مریض بود؛ با این حال، به سر کار رفت.
- Comparison Table
-
Phrase Nuance Register از طرف دیگر Balanced contrast Neutral/Formal در مقابل Direct opposition Formal در عوض Compensation/Return Informal/Neutral با این حال Concession (Despite) Neutral
هوا سرد است؛ در مقابل، منظره کوهستان عالی است.
Examples by Level
من چای مینوشم؛ از طرف دیگر، او قهوه مینوشد.
I drink tea; on the other hand, he drinks coffee.
Simple contrast between two people's preferences.
این اتاق بزرگ است؛ از طرف دیگر، آن اتاق کوچک است.
This room is big; on the other hand, that room is small.
Comparing two physical spaces.
سیب قرمز است؛ از طرف دیگر، موز زرد است.
The apple is red; on the other hand, the banana is yellow.
Simple color contrast.
امروز هوا گرم است؛ از طرف دیگر، فردا سرد میشود.
Today the weather is warm; on the other hand, tomorrow it will be cold.
Contrast between two time periods.
او بلند است؛ از طرف دیگر، برادرش کوتاه است.
He is tall; on the other hand, his brother is short.
Contrasting physical attributes.
این کتاب گران است؛ از طرف دیگر، آن کتاب ارزان است.
This book is expensive; on the other hand, that book is cheap.
Contrast in price.
ماشین من سریع است؛ از طرف دیگر، ماشین او کند است.
My car is fast; on the other hand, his car is slow.
Contrast in speed.
من گرسنه هستم؛ از طرف دیگر، او سیر است.
I am hungry; on the other hand, he is full.
Contrast in physical states.
این شغل حقوق خوبی دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، خیلی دور است.
This job has a good salary; on the other hand, it is very far.
Weighing a positive against a negative.
رستوران غذاهای لذیذی دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، خیلی شلوغ است.
The restaurant has delicious food; on the other hand, it is very crowded.
Common trade-off in daily life.
یادگیری فارسی شیرین است؛ از طرف دیگر، گرامرش کمی سخت است.
Learning Persian is sweet (pleasant); on the other hand, its grammar is a bit hard.
Describing a learning experience.
خانه ما قدیمی است؛ از طرف دیگر، خیلی بزرگ و دلباز است.
Our house is old; on the other hand, it is very large and spacious.
Balancing a negative trait with a positive one.
او خیلی مهربان است؛ از طرف دیگر، گاهی زود عصبانی میشود.
He is very kind; on the other hand, sometimes he gets angry quickly.
Describing personality traits.
سفر با هواپیما سریع است؛ از طرف دیگر، بلیطش گران است.
Traveling by plane is fast; on the other hand, its ticket is expensive.
Comparing modes of transport.
او در درس ریاضی عالی است؛ از طرف دیگر، در ورزش ضعیف است.
He is excellent in math; on the other hand, he is weak in sports.
Comparing skills.
این فیلم خیلی طولانی است؛ از طرف دیگر، داستانش بسیار جذاب است.
This movie is very long; on the other hand, its story is very attractive.
Reviewing a movie.
از یک طرف میخواهم در ایران بمانم؛ از طرف دیگر، فرصتهای شغلی در خارج بهتر است.
On one hand, I want to stay in Iran; on the other hand, job opportunities abroad are better.
Using the 'Az yek taraf... az taraf-e digar' structure.
اینترنت دسترسی به اطلاعات را آسان کرده است؛ از طرف دیگر، باعث تنبلی ذهن میشود.
The internet has made access to information easy; on the other hand, it causes mental laziness.
Discussing a social/technological issue.
زندگی در شهرهای بزرگ پر از هیجان است؛ از طرف دیگر، آلودگی هوا نگرانکننده است.
Living in big cities is full of excitement; on the other hand, air pollution is worrying.
Balanced view on urbanization.
او میخواهد در مسابقه شرکت کند؛ از طرف دیگر، نگران شکست خوردن است.
He wants to participate in the competition; on the other hand, he is worried about failing.
Expressing internal conflict.
خرید آنلاین در وقت صرفهجویی میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، امنیت پرداخت همیشه تضمین شده نیست.
Online shopping saves time; on the other hand, payment security is not always guaranteed.
Analyzing modern habits.
او به موسیقی کلاسیک علاقه دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، گاهی به موسیقی پاپ هم گوش میدهد.
He is interested in classical music; on the other hand, sometimes he also listens to pop music.
Showing a range of interests.
این دارو برای درمان بیماری مفید است؛ از طرف دیگر، عوارض جانبی زیادی دارد.
This medicine is useful for treating the disease; on the other hand, it has many side effects.
Medical context.
تدریس در مدرسه لذتبخش است؛ از طرف دیگر، مسئولیت سنگینی بر عهده معلم است.
Teaching in school is enjoyable; on the other hand, a heavy responsibility lies on the teacher.
Discussing professional life.
تکنولوژی هوش مصنوعی میتواند زندگی را متحول کند؛ از طرف دیگر، خطرات امنیتی زیادی به همراه دارد.
AI technology can transform life; on the other hand, it brings many security risks.
Advanced discussion on technology.
سیاستهای جدید اقتصادی ممکن است تورم را مهار کند؛ از طرف دیگر، احتمال رکود را افزایش میدهد.
New economic policies might curb inflation; on the other hand, they increase the probability of recession.
Economic analysis.
توسعه گردشگری به اقتصاد محلی کمک میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، ممکن است به فرهنگ بومی آسیب بزند.
Tourism development helps the local economy; on the other hand, it might damage the indigenous culture.
Sociological impact analysis.
او در کارش بسیار دقیق و حرفهای است؛ از طرف دیگر، در روابط اجتماعی کمی سرد برخورد میکند.
He is very precise and professional in his work; on the other hand, he acts a bit cold in social relationships.
Nuanced character description.
استفاده از انرژی هستهای پاک است؛ از طرف دیگر، مدیریت پسماندهای آن یک چالش بزرگ است.
Using nuclear energy is clean; on the other hand, managing its waste is a major challenge.
Environmental debate.
آزادی بیان یکی از ارکان دموکراسی است؛ از طرف دیگر، نباید به توهین و تفرقه منجر شود.
Freedom of speech is one of the pillars of democracy; on the other hand, it should not lead to insult and division.
Political/Philosophical discourse.
این نویسنده سبک بسیار نوآورانهای دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، درک آثارش برای خواننده عام دشوار است.
This writer has a very innovative style; on the other hand, understanding his works is difficult for the general reader.
Literary criticism.
کار کردن به صورت دورکاری باعث انعطافپذیری میشود؛ از طرف دیگر، مرز بین زندگی شخصی و کاری را کمرنگ میکند.
Remote work causes flexibility; on the other hand, it blurs the boundary between personal and professional life.
Modern workplace discussion.
جهانیسازی به تبادل فرهنگی کمک شایانی کرده است؛ از طرف دیگر، خطر یکسانسازی فرهنگی را نیز در پی دارد.
Globalization has significantly aided cultural exchange; on the other hand, it also carries the risk of cultural homogenization.
High-level academic observation.
این نظریه از نظر علمی بسیار مستدل است؛ از طرف دیگر، با باورهای سنتی جامعه در تضاد مستقیم قرار میگیرد.
This theory is scientifically very well-reasoned; on the other hand, it stands in direct conflict with the traditional beliefs of society.
Analyzing conflict between science and tradition.
افزایش بودجه نظامی امنیت ملی را تقویت میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، منابع مالی را از بخشهای آموزش و بهداشت منحرف میسازد.
Increasing the military budget strengthens national security; on the other hand, it diverts financial resources from the education and health sectors.
Sophisticated political-economic argument.
او در سخنرانیهایش بسیار متقاعدکننده است؛ از طرف دیگر، در عمل به وعدههایش چندان موفق نبوده است.
He is very persuasive in his speeches; on the other hand, he hasn't been very successful in fulfilling his promises.
Critical analysis of a public figure.
نظام سرمایهداری باعث رشد سریع اقتصادی میشود؛ از طرف دیگر، شکاف طبقاتی را به شدت گسترش میدهد.
The capitalist system causes rapid economic growth; on the other hand, it drastically widens the class gap.
Macro-economic critique.
معماری مدرن بر کارایی و سادگی تأکید دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، گاهی روح و هویت تاریخی شهر را نادیده میگیرد.
Modern architecture emphasizes efficiency and simplicity; on the other hand, it sometimes ignores the soul and historical identity of the city.
Architectural and cultural analysis.
اصلاحات پیشنهادی میتواند ساختار اداری را بهبود بخشد؛ از طرف دیگر، مقاومتهای شدیدی را در میان ذینفعان ایجاد میکند.
The proposed reforms can improve the administrative structure; on the other hand, they create strong resistance among stakeholders.
Organizational/Political context.
پیشرفتهای ژنتیکی امکان درمان بیماریهای صعبالعلاج را فراهم میآورد؛ از طرف دیگر، پرسشهای اخلاقی پیچیدهای را مطرح میکند.
Genetic advancements provide the possibility of treating incurable diseases; on the other hand, they raise complex ethical questions.
Bioethical discussion.
پدیدارشناسی هوسرل بر تجربه مستقیم تأکید دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، منتقدان آن را به نوعی درونگرایی افراطی متهم میکنند.
Husserl's phenomenology emphasizes direct experience; on the other hand, critics accuse it of a kind of extreme subjectivism.
Philosophical discourse.
این رویکرد حقوقی عدالت ترمیمی را ترویج میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، ممکن است بازدارندگی مجازاتهای سنتی را کاهش دهد.
This legal approach promotes restorative justice; on the other hand, it might reduce the deterrence of traditional punishments.
Legal theory analysis.
تغییرات اقلیمی تهدیدی وجودی برای بشریت است؛ از طرف دیگر، فرصتی برای بازنگری در الگوهای مصرف فراهم میآورد.
Climate change is an existential threat to humanity; on the other hand, it provides an opportunity to rethink consumption patterns.
Existential and systemic analysis.
ساختارشکنی در ادبیات به کشف لایههای پنهان متن کمک میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، میتواند به نسبیگرایی مطلق در معنا منجر شود.
Deconstruction in literature helps discover hidden layers of the text; on the other hand, it can lead to absolute relativism in meaning.
Literary theory.
حفظ حاکمیت ملی در دنیای امروز ضروری است؛ از طرف دیگر، همکاریهای فراملی برای حل بحرانهای جهانی اجتنابناپذیر است.
Maintaining national sovereignty is essential in today's world; on the other hand, transnational cooperation is inevitable for solving global crises.
International relations discourse.
هنر انتزاعی احساسات خالص را بیان میکند؛ از طرف دیگر، ارتباط با مخاطب عام را به چالش میکشد.
Abstract art expresses pure emotions; on the other hand, it challenges communication with the general audience.
Aesthetics and art theory.
تمرکز قدرت در دولت مرکزی میتواند هماهنگی را افزایش دهد؛ از طرف دیگر، خلاقیت و پویایی محلی را سرکوب میکند.
Concentration of power in the central government can increase coordination; on the other hand, it suppresses local creativity and dynamism.
Political science analysis.
شهودگرایی در ریاضیات بر ساختپذیری تأکید دارد؛ از طرف دیگر، بخشهای بزرگی از ریاضیات کلاسیک را زیر سوال میبرد.
Intuitionism in mathematics emphasizes constructibility; on the other hand, it calls into question large parts of classical mathematics.
Mathematical philosophy.
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Related Phrases
More general words
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Conforming to the usual or standard type; normal or ordinary.
عافیت
B2Well-being; the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment; wise.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1Excellent; extremely good or outstanding.
عام
B1General, common, public.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).