脇 (waki) means “side” | MotiTan Japanese Dictionary

More examples

友達の脇に立って、写真を撮ります。tomo dachi no waki ni ta tte sha shin o to ri ma su

I stand beside my friend and take a picture.

Describes the space or position next to something, especially away from its center or main line.

横yoko: The position beside something, often outside its center or main line.
側gawa: The side or area next to a person or thing.

物の中心から外れた横の部分や、すぐそばの位置。mono no chū shin ka ra hazu re ta yoko no bu bun ya su gu so ba no i chi

The native word 脇 (waki) first refers to the side of the body and develops a broader spatial meaning for an area or position next to something.

In casual conversation, 脇 (waki) can refer to the underarm, so context determines whether the word means a location or a body area.