par contre

fr
en
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on the other hand, however
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/paʁ kɔ̃tʁ/
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A contrasting point in the same discussion.

Examples

  • Ce sac est léger. Par contre, il n’est pas très solide.
    This bag is light. However, it is not very sturdy.
  • Le train est rapide. Par contre, il est souvent plein.
    The train is fast. On the other hand, it is often full.
  • J’aime ce quartier. Par contre, il est bruyant.
    I like this neighborhood. However, it is noisy.
  • Elle parle anglais. Par contre, elle ne parle pas allemand.
    She speaks English. But she does not speak German.
  • Le café est bon. Par contre, il est cher.
    The coffee is good. On the other hand, it is expensive.

Similar words

en contrepartie
au contraire
en revanche

Meanings

On the other hand

discourse
neutral
Introduces a fact that differs from or offsets the one just mentioned.

Examples

  • Le café est bon. Par contre, il est cher.
    The coffee is good. On the other hand, it is expensive.
  • J’aime ce quartier. Par contre, il est bruyant.
    I like this neighborhood. However, it is noisy.
  • Elle parle anglais. Par contre, elle ne parle pas allemand.
    She speaks English. But she does not speak German.
  • Le train est rapide. Par contre, il est souvent plein.
    The train is fast. On the other hand, it is often full.
  • Ce sac est léger. Par contre, il n’est pas très solide.
    This bag is light. However, it is not very sturdy.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from par, “by”, and contre, “against”; the expression marks a contrast.

FAQ

What does par contre mean?

It introduces a contrasting point.

Is par contre correct French?

Yes. It is accepted in everyday French.

How does it differ from pourtant?

Pourtant suggests a surprising contradiction; par contre sets two facts against each other.

Can it introduce a drawback?

Yes. That is a common use.

Is en revanche a formal alternative?

Yes. En revanche is often preferred in careful writing.

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