Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
Two Sides of an Afternoon Choice in Spanish
Helping children weigh different needs or desires is a valuable life skill. In Spanish, we can present these competing perspectives using paired discourse connectors like 'por un lado' and 'por otro lado'.
What you'll learn
- Express competing desires or needs using 'por un lado' and 'por otro lado'.
- Engage in balanced decision-making conversations with your child.
- Practice complex sentence structures to describe trade-offs.
Spanish phrases for two sides of an afternoon choice
Por un lado, quieres jugar con amigos; por otro lado, necesitas una tarde tranquila.
On the one hand, you want a playdate; on the other hand, you need a quiet afternoon.
Uses 'por un lado / por otro lado' to mirror the English structure.
Por un lado, caminar tarda más; por otro lado, tenemos tiempo para charlar.
On the one hand, walking takes longer; on the other hand, we get time to chat.
'Tardar' is commonly used for how much time an activity consumes.
Por un lado, el libro grande parece emocionante; por otro lado, el más corto es más fácil de llevar.
On the one hand, the big book looks exciting; on the other hand, the shorter one is easier to carry.
'Emocionante' captures the excitement of a new story.
Por un lado, el fútbol es divertido; por otro lado, también quieres tiempo para tus otros juegos.
On the one hand, football is fun; on the other hand, you want time for your other games too.
Note the use of 'también' to balance the two statements.
Por un lado, podrías comprar las pegatinas ahora; por otro lado, estás ahorrando para una cometa.
On the one hand, you could buy the stickers now; on the other hand, you are saving for a kite.
'Ahorrar' is the verb for saving money.
Por un lado, quieres terminar los deberes; por otro lado, un descanso corto podría ayudarte a pensar.
On the one hand, you want to finish your homework; on the other hand, a short break might help you think.
'Deberes' is standard in Spain for homework; 'tarea' is common in Latin America.
Por un lado, te gusta elegir el juego; por otro lado, tu amigo necesita un turno para elegir.
On the one hand, you like choosing the game; on the other hand, your friend needs a turn to choose.
'Turno' refers to taking turns in a sequence.
Por un lado, me quieres cerca; por otro lado, quieres intentar leer la página tú mismo.
On the one hand, you want me nearby; on the other hand, you want to try reading the page yourself.
'Tú mismo' emphasizes doing something independently.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
por un lado
on one hand
A transition used to introduce the first of two contrasting points.
por otro lado
on the other hand
Used to introduce the second, often opposing, point.
ahorrar
to save
Specifically used for money or resources.
deberes
homework
Plural noun used for school assignments.
Paired Discourse Connectors
To contrast two ideas in Spanish at a B2 level, we use 'Por un lado' followed by the first clause, and 'por otro lado' followed by the second. Unlike some other languages, the word order within the clauses remains standard (Subject-Verb-Object).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Side A | Por un lado + [SVO] | Por un lado, es caro. |
| Side B | Por otro lado + [SVO] | Por otro lado, es de buena calidad. |
More examples
Por un lado, el helado es rico; por otro lado, la fruta es más saludable.
On the one hand, ice cream is tasty; on the other hand, fruit is healthier.
A simple way to present nutritional choices.
Por un lado, quieres ir al parque; por otro lado, está lloviendo.
On the one hand, you want to go to the park; on the other hand, it's raining.
Presenting reality vs. desire.