Translation and Meaning of: 側 - gawa

The Japanese word 側[がわ] is a common term in everyday vocabulary, but it carries interesting nuances both in its meaning and usage. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding how this word works can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

側 [がわ] is often used to indicate "side" or "lateral part" of something, whether it's a physical object or an abstract situation. It appears in various expressions and contexts, from informal conversations to more formal texts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who wish to master the Japanese language. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover how to use it correctly.

Significado e uso de 側[がわ]

The term 側[がわ] is used to refer to the "side" of something, whether in a physical sense, like the side of an object, or in a figurative sense, like an aspect of a situation. For example, in a sentence like "窓の側に立つ" (mado no gawa ni tatsu), it means "to stand next to the window." This versatility makes the word quite useful in daily life.

Additionally, 側[がわ] can be used to express proximity or association with something or someone. In social contexts, it can indicate a person's "side" in a discussion or even their position in a group. This flexibility of use makes it an essential word for those who want to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Origem e escrita do kanji 側

The kanji 側 is composed of the radical 人 (person) combined with 則 (rule, principle). This structure suggests a relationship between the concept of "side" and the idea of human positioning or perspective. The most common reading, がわ (gawa), is often used in compound words and everyday phrases.

It is worth noting that 側 can also be read as そく (soku) in certain contexts, such as in 側面 (sokumen – "side"). However, the pronunciation がわ is the most common and versatile, appearing in expressions like 右側 (migi-gawa – "right side") and 反対側 (hantai-gawa – "opposite side").

Dicas para memorizar e usar 側[がわ]

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, when looking at an object, think about what its 側 (side) is left or right. Repeating phrases like "この建物の側にいます" (kono tatemono no gawa ni imasu – "I am next to this building") also helps to internalize the correct usage.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in animes, dramas, or Japanese songs. Often, it comes up in everyday dialogues, which makes understanding the context easier. With practice and constant exposure, 側[がわ] will become a natural part of your Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 横 (yoko) - Side, horizontal
• 隣 (となり - tonari) - neighbor, nearby
• 近く (ちかく - chikaku) - near, in the vicinity
• 傍 (そば - soba) - next to, near
• 傍ら (かたわら - katawara) - beside, near (used in a more poetic or literary way)
• 横に (よこに - yoko ni) - to the side, sideways
• 側に (そばに - soba ni) - next to, close (with emphasis on proximity)
• そばに (soba ni) - perto, ao lado
• かたわらに (katawara ni) - beside, near (formal or literary)
• 並びに (ならびに - narabini) - together with, and also (used in more formal contexts)
• 並んで (ならんで - narande) - lined up, side by side
• 並んでいる (ならんでいる - narande iru) - to be lined up, to be side by side
• 並んでいることに (narande iru koto ni) - the fact of being lined up
• 並んでいることを (narande iru koto wo) - about being queued

側

Romaji: gawa
Kana: がわ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: side; line; environment; part; (assistance) case

Meaning in English: side;row;surroundings;part;(watch) case

Definition: Being lonely for other things.

Example Sentences - (側) gawa

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女の側にいたいです。

Watashi wa kanojo no soba ni itai desu

I want to be by her side.

I want to be with her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 側 - noun meaning "side" or "near"
• に - particle indicating the action of going to or being in a place
• いたい - verb meaning "to want to be" or "to wish to be"
• です - particle indicating the formality of the sentence

内側に向かって進んでください。

Uchigawa ni mukatte susunde kudasai

Please proceed towards the interior.

Proceed inside.

• 内側 (naishoku) - means "inner side"
• に (ni) - Particle indicating direction or destination
• 向かって (mukatte) - verb meaning "to go towards"
• 進んで (susunde) - verb meaning "to advance"
• ください (kudasai) - expression meaning "please"

両側には歩道があります。

Ryōgawa ni wa hodō ga arimasu

There are sidewalks on both sides.

• 両側 - means "both sides" in Japanese.
• に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the location of something.
• は - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 歩道 - It means "sidewalk" in Japanese.
• が - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - It is a Japanese verb that means "to exist".

彼女はいつも私の側に添ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi no soba ni sotte kureru

She always stays by my side.

She always accompanies me.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• いつも - Always in Japanese
• 私の - "my" in Japanese
• 側に - "next to" in Japanese
• 添ってくれる - "accompanies" in Japanese, with the verb in the form "te-form" and the suffix "kureru" indicating that it is something done for the benefit of the speaker

神は私たちの側にいる。

Kami wa watashitachi no soba ni iru

God is in us.

• 神 - means "God" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私たち - personal pronoun meaning "we"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 側 - noun meaning "side" or "near side"
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• いる - verb meaning "to be" or "to exist" in Japanese
• . - Period

私は彼女の側にいたいです。

Watashi wa kanojo no soba ni itai desu

I want to be by her side.

I want to be with her.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun that means "girlfriend" or "she"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case, "my girlfriend's"
• 側 - Japanese noun meaning "side" or "someone's side"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the action of directing something or someone, in this case, "being next to"
• いたい - form of the Japanese verb "iru" which indicates desire or will, in this case, "to want to be"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates to be or to be, in this case, it is used to make the sentence more formal