側

JLPT N3

Side

Readings

On’yomi: ソク (soku)

Kun’yomi: かわ, がわ (kawa, gawa)

• かわ – side (archaic / used in compounds) • がわ – side (modern usage, suffix)

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

側

がわ

side

右側

みぎがわ

right side

左側

ひだりがわ

left side

内側

うちがわ

inside

外側

そとがわ

outside

Example Sentences

側に座ります。

がわにすわります。

I sit beside it.

右側です。

みぎがわです。

It is on the right side.

左側にあります。

ひだりがわにあります。

It is on the left side.

内側に入ります。

うちがわにはいります。

I go inside.

外側です。

そとがわです。

It is outside.

Cultural Note

🤝 側 carries not only spatial but also emotional meaning.
• “味方の側” (みかたのがわ) – on someone’s side / ally
• “あなたの側にいる” – to be by your side, expressing support or loyalty
It’s often used in sentimental contexts, emphasizing closeness or companionship.