Translation guide
The English word "side" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physical sides, taking sides in an argument, aspects of something, and more.
Referring to the left or right part of something, or the edge of an area.
Used as a suffix to indicate a side (left/right/east/west) or a particular side of an object.
Please stand on the right side.
道の反対側に店があります。
There's a shop on the opposite side of the street.
Refers to the side of something, often meaning 'beside' or 'next to'. Also used for the side of a box, building, etc.
彼は私の横に座った。
He sat beside me (at my side).
箱の横に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on the side of the box.
Means 'side' in the sense of 'armpit' or 'beside', often used for the side of the body or a road. More specific than 横.
彼は脇に本を抱えていた。
He held a book under his arm (at his side).
Supporting one person or group in an argument, competition, or conflict.
Means 'ally' or 'supporter'. Used in phrases like 'to take someone's side'.
私はいつも君の味方だ。
I'm always on your side.
彼は議論で私の味方をしてくれた。
He took my side in the argument.
Literally 'to stand by someone's side', meaning to support them. More formal/literary than 味方.
彼は正義の側につくことを選んだ。
He chose to side with justice.
Can also mean 'side' in a conflict or debate, often used in compounds like 勝者側 (winner's side).
どちらの側につくの？
Which side are you on?
Referring to one particular aspect, feature, or part of a situation, person, or thing.
Means 'aspect', 'side', or 'facet'. Used for both positive and negative sides of things.
彼には優しい面もある。
He has a gentle side too.
この問題の別の面を見てみよう。
Let's look at another side of this issue.
Literally 'side face', used for aspects or facets, often in more formal contexts.
Means 'one side' or 'one aspect', often used to say 'on the one hand' or to describe a single facet.
One person's version of events or point of view.
Means 'one's say' or 'one's side of the story'. Used when hearing different accounts.
彼の言い分も聞いてあげて。
Listen to his side of the story too.
Means 'claim' or 'argument', often used for one's side in a debate.
Referring to a surface or slope of a large object.
Used for the side of a building, mountain, or three-dimensional object.
山の北側面はまだ雪が残っている。
The north side of the mountain still has snow.
Specifically means 'slope' or 'incline', used for the side of a hill or mountain.
A small dish served alongside the main course.
The area of the torso between ribs and hip.
While 側 is a common translation, it often needs a prefix (右側, 左側) or context. For abstract sides (aspects, taking sides), other words are more natural.
横 (よこ) emphasizes the horizontal dimension or being beside something. 側 (がわ) is more about a designated side (left/right, this/that side). Use 横 for 'next to' and 側 for 'on the ... side'.
彼の性格の暗い側面が見えた。
I saw a dark side of his personality.
On one side he's a genius, but on another side he's childish.
I heard both sides' arguments.
We climbed the steep side (slope).
I ordered fries as a side.
彼は横腹を押さえた。
He held his side.