Japanese word

側

Pronunciation

Romajigawa

Meaning

  • nounside

Example

窓の側にいすがあります。mado no gawa ni i su ga a ri ma su

There is a chair beside the window.

Illustration for 側 (side)

More examples

窓の側に小さな花があります。mado no gawa ni chii sa na hana ga a ri ma su

There is a small flower at the side of the window.

道の側をゆっくり歩きます。michi no gawa o yu kku ri aru ki ma su

I walk slowly along the side of the road.

Core concept

It denotes one part or position in relation to a whole, often viewed against another part.

Common phrases

  • 右側migi gawa

    right side

  • 左側hidari gawa

    left side

  • こちら側ko chi ra gawa

    this side

  • 向こう側mu kō gawa

    the other side

Similar words

横yoko: A position or area directly beside a person or object.
脇waki: The area at the side of an object or body.
そばsoba: A place near a person or object.

Definition in Japanese

物の左右や場所の周囲などにある一方の部分。mono no sa yū ya ba sho no shū i na do ni a ru ip pō no bu bun

Word origin

側 (gawa, "side") represents the native Japanese noun がわ (gawa, "side") in kanji; がわ is the voiced form used in compounds and phrases such as 窓の側 (mado no gawa).

Usage tips

  • 側 (gawa) can describe a person's side in expressions about standing or staying with that person, so its meaning extends beyond the left and right sides of objects.

Other meanings

  • partnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word