のはXの方だ

JLPT Level: N3
Meanings

The thing that is X is the one

X is the preferable/important option

What is X is the thing that stands out

The one that is X is the better/true choice

Usage

のはXの方だ

Explanation
The pattern のはXの方だ is used to emphasize that a specific thing (X) is the one that stands out or is preferred among options. It often contrasts X with other possibilities and is used when you want to single out X as the main point or correct choice. In many cases, the front clause introduces the subject being contrasted (or the context), and の方だ marks the tailing noun phrase as the “the one” that fits the speaker’s judgement. Typical contexts include choosing between alternatives, highlighting what you consider the true/most appropriate thing, or correcting a mistaken assumption by pointing to the correct item. Note that X can be a noun phrase, and the overall sentence often ends with の方だ to make the assertion strong and definitive; it can sound slightly formal or emphatic. Example details often rely on a broader conversation about options, preferences, or evaluations.
この中で信頼できるのは佐藤さんの方だ。
このなかでしんらいできるのはさとうさんのほうだ。

Among these, it’s Mr. Satō who is the most trustworthy.

私が欲しいのはこの本の方だ。
わたしがほしいのはこのほんのほうだ。

What I want is this book.

結局、選ぶべきなのは品質の方だ。
けっきょく、えらぶべきなのはひんしつのほうだ。

In the end, what we should choose is quality.

人気があるのはあの映画の方だ。
にんきがあるのはあのえいがのほうだ。

Among them, that movie is the more popular one.

本当に大事なのは家族の方だ。
ほんとうにだいじなのはかぞくのほうだ。

What’s really important is family.