Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
Weighing What Matters in Spanish
Helping your child weigh competing priorities is a key life skill. This guide uses 'por un lado... por otro lado' to help you present balanced perspectives on hobbies, responsibilities, and friendships in natural Spanish.
What you'll learn
- Present two genuine concerns using 'por un lado' and 'por otro lado'.
- Express empathy while maintaining parental boundaries.
- Structure complex sentences to compare costs, benefits, and emotional needs.
Spanish phrases for weighing what matters
Por un lado, disfrutas del equipo; por otro lado, el entrenamiento ocupa la mayor parte de tus fines de semana.
On the one hand, you enjoy the team; on the other hand, training takes up most of your weekends.
A useful way to discuss time commitments in sports.
Por un lado, entiendo por qué quieres acostarte más tarde; por otro lado, todavía necesitas dormir lo suficiente.
On the one hand, I understand why you want a later bedtime; on the other hand, you still need enough sleep.
Validates the child's wish while stating a physical necessity.
Por un lado, la aplicación es útil para el colegio; por otro lado, sus notificaciones no dejan de interrumpirte.
On the one hand, the app is useful for school; on the other hand, its notifications keep interrupting you.
Addresses technology management.
Por un lado, tu amigo necesita apoyo; por otro lado, tú también necesitas tiempo para ti mismo.
On the one hand, your friend needs support; on the other hand, you need time for yourself too.
Teaches the balance of empathy and self-care.
Por un lado, trabajar solo te da más control; por otro lado, un compañero podría aportar ideas frescas.
On the one hand, working alone gives you more control; on the other hand, a partner might bring fresh ideas.
Encourages weighing the pros and cons of collaboration.
Por un lado, los materiales más baratos ahorrarían dinero; por otro lado, puede que no duren.
On the one hand, the cheaper materials would save money; on the other hand, they might not last.
Discusses value and quality.
Por un lado, quiero que hagas tus propios planes; por otro lado, necesito saber cuándo estarás en casa.
On the one hand, I want you to make your own plans; on the other hand, I need to know when you'll be home.
Balances independence with safety and logistics.
Por un lado, participar en el concurso parece emocionante; por otro lado, ya tienes mucho que gestionar.
On the one hand, entering the competition sounds exciting; on the other hand, you already have a lot to manage.
Helps avoid over-commitment.
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 the one hand
Used to introduce the first point in a comparison.
por otro lado
on the other hand
Used to introduce a contrasting or secondary point.
gestionar
to manage / to handle
Commonly used for managing tasks, time, or emotions.
entrenamiento
training / practice
Refers to physical training or sports practice sessions.
Correlative Connectors
In Spanish, 'por un lado' and 'por otro lado' (or 'por otra parte') are used to contrast two ideas. Unlike German, Spanish does not require a specific verb-second inversion after these connectors; they act like introductory phrases followed by standard SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) order.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | Por un lado, [Idea A]. Por otro lado, [Idea B]. | Por un lado es caro, por otro lado es mejor. |
More examples
Por un lado, el examen es difícil; por otro lado, has estudiado mucho.
On the one hand, the exam is difficult; on the other hand, you have studied a lot.
Balancing a challenge with preparation.
Por un lado, me gusta el color; por otro lado, el tamaño no es el correcto.
On the one hand, I like the color; on the other hand, the size isn't right.
A simple practical comparison.