What Does Por Outro Lado Mean in Portuguese?
Por outro lado means ‘on the other hand’; it introduces a different consideration, not automatically the opposite of the first point.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Por outro lado literally means on the other side and works as a connector for another perspective. It is useful when a decision has a benefit and a trade-off, or when two people weigh the same situation differently.
Use the phrase to add another perspective
The ideas do not need to be exact opposites. The phrase simply tells the listener that you are adding a different angle.
O apartamento fica perto do trabalho. Por outro lado, o aluguel é mais alto.
The apartment is close to work. On the other hand, the rent is higher.
Ela prefere estudar de manhã. Eu, por outro lado, me concentro melhor à noite.
She prefers studying in the morning. I, on the other hand, concentrate better at night.
Pair both sides of a comparison
When you use por um lado (on one hand), you can later introduce the second view with por outro lado. This paired structure signals that you are comparing considerations rather than changing the subject.
You may omit the first connector when the contrast is already clear. Do not force a pair if you have only one point to add.
Por um lado, o curso é intensivo; por outro lado, termina em dois meses.
On one hand, the course is intensive; on the other hand, it ends in two months.
Por um lado, cozinhar em casa economiza dinheiro. Por outro lado, exige planejamento.
On one hand, cooking at home saves money. On the other hand, it requires planning.
Place it at the start or inside the sentence
At the start of a sentence, follow por outro lado with a comma. It can also sit after the subject for emphasis, usually separated by commas. In speech, a small pause helps the listener hear that you are introducing another consideration.
If you mean a direct contradiction, porém or ao contrário may express that relationship more precisely.
Por outro lado, a equipe já conhece bem esse sistema.
On the other hand, the team already knows this system well.
O plano, por outro lado, depende de uma aprovação externa.
The plan, on the other hand, depends on outside approval.
Put it into practice
Use por outro lado to introduce a different consideration, and use por um lado when you want to make a balanced pair.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “She prefers studying in the morning. I, on the other hand, concentrate better at night”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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