Vietnamese 'mặt khác' Usage (On the Other Hand)
'mặt khác' means "on the other hand." Its actual function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'mặt khác' means "on the other hand." Its actual function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
English meanings
- On the other hand
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Cách này nhanh. Mặt khác, nó khá tốn kém.
This method is fast. On the other hand, it is quite expensive.
2
Học thuộc lòng có ích. Mặt khác, bạn vẫn cần luyện dùng câu.
Memorization is useful. On the other hand, you still need to practice making sentences.
How to use it
'mặt khác' means "on the other hand" and is used to add another perspective, often found in written discourse. It does not necessarily indicate a complete opposition but rather a different angle of analysis.
- Usually placed at the beginning of the second sentence, followed by a comma.
- The following sentence typically presents another angle, limitation, or supplement.
- If the two directions are completely opposite, use 'ngược lại' instead.
Compared with English
Compared with English
Like English "on the other hand," Vietnamese 'mặt khác' introduces a supplementary viewpoint. It is a discourse connector and does not imply a strong opposition like 'ngược lại' does.
Common mistakes
Cách này nhanh mặt khác nó tốn kém.
Cách này nhanh. Mặt khác, nó khá tốn kém.
'mặt khác' is usually a sentence-level connector; starting a new sentence is clearer.
Tôi giúp bạn. Mặt khác, bạn giúp tôi.
Tôi giúp bạn, và ngược lại bạn giúp tôi.
Mutual opposite relationships use 'ngược lại', not 'mặt khác'.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What does 'mặt khác' mainly express?
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Multiple choice
What does 'mặt khác' mainly express?
- Another analytical perspective
- Direct cause and effect
- Rhetorical question tone
Answer: Another analytical perspective
Explanation: It is close to "on the other hand."
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Cách này nhanh. ____, nó khá tốn kém.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Cách này nhanh. ____, nó khá tốn kém.
Answer: Cách này nhanh. Mặt khác, nó khá tốn kém.
Explanation: Usually placed at the beginning of the second sentence, followed by a comma.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "This method is fast. On the other hand, it is quite expensive." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "This method is fast. On the other hand, it is quite expensive." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Cách này nhanh. Mặt khác, nó khá tốn kém.
Explanation: Use mặt khác in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is this sentence correct? "Cách này nhanh mặt khác nó tốn kém."
Show answer
True or false
Is this sentence correct? "Cách này nhanh mặt khác nó tốn kém."
Answer: False
Explanation: 'mặt khác' is usually a sentence-level connector; starting a new sentence is clearer.
Correction
Correct this sentence: "Mặt khác, tôi giúp bạn và bạn giúp tôi."
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Correction
Correct this sentence: "Mặt khác, tôi giúp bạn và bạn giúp tôi."
Answer: Tôi giúp bạn, và ngược lại bạn giúp tôi.
Explanation: Mutual opposite relationships use 'ngược lại'.