puolestaan

Puolestaan is a Finnish adverb used to indicate a contrast or to present another aspect of a topic, roughly equivalent to “on the other hand” or “as for it” in English. It is a fixed expression that can introduce a different perspective in a sentence or between clauses, and it is commonly found in formal and written Finnish as well as in spoken discourse.

Usage notes:

- Puolestaan typically follows the clause it refers to, linking the previous statement to a contrasting or alternative point. It can be contrasted with expressions like toisaalta (“on the other hand” in a broader sense).

- The word often signals a second side of a discussion, such as differences between a plan and its potential impact, or the viewpoint of another party in a debate.

- It is more common in formal, analytical, or journalistic prose, but it also appears in everyday speech, especially in discussions that aim for balanced or neutral presentation.

Etymology and form:

- Puolestaan is derived from the noun puoli (side, aspect) and is used as an adverb. It functions as a fixed connective element in a sentence rather than as a freely inflecting word.

Related forms and notes:

- A closely related construction is toisaalta, which can be used to present a broader contrast. The phrase minä puolestani, meaning “as for me,” uses a related stem but serves a slightly different function by foregrounding the speaker’s own stance.

Examples:

- Hallituksen suunnitelma keskittyy kustannusten hillitsemiseen, puolestaan työntekijät vaativat parempia työehdot.

- Yritys aikoo lisätä tutkimus- ja kehitystoimintaa; puolestaan kilpailijat panostavat markkinointiin.

- Hän arvioi projektia optimistisesti; puolestaan kollegat näkevät siinä riskejä.