conjunction, particle
while; although; but on the other hand
Used after the attributive form of a verb or adjective, or after の, to contrast two aspects of the same thing: “while it is A, it is also B.” Often appears in explanatory or written-style Japanese.
See also: 反面
この薬はよく効く半面、副作用も強い。
This medicine works well, but on the other hand its side effects are also strong.
He is kind, although he is also a little stubborn.
conjunction
at the same time; on the other hand; and yet
Used as a sentence-level connector, especially in その半面, to introduce a contrasting point or downside after the previous statement.
都会は仕事が多い。その半面、家賃は高い。
Cities have many jobs. On the other hand, the rent is high.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
half the face; profile
Rare noun use referring to one half or side view of a face; in modern everyday Japanese, 顔の半分 or 横顔 is usually more natural depending on the meaning.
顔の半面に強い光が当たっていた。
Strong light was falling on half of the face.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
one side; one half; the reverse side or opposite aspect
Rare noun use for one side, half, or the opposite/reverse aspect of something. The abstract contrast overlaps with the more common conjunction-like use, but this sense treats 半面 as a noun.
物事の半面だけを見て判断してはいけない。
You should not judge things by looking at only one side of them.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
half the surface
Rare literal noun use meaning half of a surface. In ordinary modern wording, 表面の半分 is often clearer.
球の半面だけを黒く塗った。
Only half of the sphere's surface was painted black.