Japanese word

味方

Pronunciation

Romajimikata

Meaning

  • nounally

Example

彼はいつも私の味方です。kare wa i tsu mo watashi no mi kata de su

He is always on my side.

Illustration for 味方 (ally)

More examples

先生を味方にして、問題を解決しました。sen sei o mi kata ni shi te mon dai o kai ketsu shi ma shi ta

We solved the problem by making the teacher our ally.

Core concept

It centers on standing on someone's side and giving support rather than remaining neutral.

Common phrases

  • 味方にするmi kata ni su ru

    make an ally

  • 味方になるmi kata ni na ru

    become an ally

  • 強い味方tsuyo i mi kata

    strong ally

Similar words

仲間nakama: A person who belongs to the same group and shares activities or goals.
支持者shijisha: A person who supports a person, group, or cause, often by agreeing with it or backing it.
協力者kyōryokusha: A person who works with someone to achieve a shared goal.

Definition in Japanese

争いや対立などで、自分と同じ側に立ち、支援してくれる人や団体。araso i ya tai ritsu na do de ji bun to ona ji gawa ni ta chi shi en shi te ku re ru hito ya dan tai

Word origin

The older form 身方 (mikata) combines 身 (mi, "oneself") with 方 (kata, "side"), and 味方 (mikata) became the usual modern spelling.

Usage tips

  • Unlike ally, which can sound formal or strategic in English, 味方 (mikata) is also natural for someone who supports a friend in a small disagreement.

Other meanings

  • supporternoun
  • friendnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 味方するmikatasuruside withverb

Word lists with this word