Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a single side of something, whether physical, metaphorical, or in a comparison. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean one side of a two-sided object, one direction, one party in a relationship, or a one-sided action.
Referring to one surface, face, or lateral part of something that has two or more sides.
Used for one side of a flat object like paper, a coin, or a record. Emphasizes that the other side exists but is not being used or considered.
Please use only one side of this paper.
Single-sided printing, please.
Refers to one side of a road, street, or symmetrical object. Often used for lanes, sidewalks, or the left/right side of something.
One side of the road is under construction.
Please put the label on one side of the box.
Can mean 'one side' in a more abstract or directional sense, often used in contrasts like 'on the one hand... on the other hand'. Also used for one end of a stick or one direction.
Please hold one end of the stick.
Referring to one party or person involved in a mutual situation, often implying imbalance or partiality.
One of a pair (people, things). Commonly used for one member of a couple, one shoe, one glove, etc. Neutral, but can imply the other is missing or not participating.
I can't find one of my gloves.
Used for one party in a contract, argument, or comparison. Often appears in phrases like 一方の言い分 (one side's story).
Specifically means 'one-sided love' or unrequited love. A common set phrase.
Describing an action, decision, or situation that involves only one party or is unfairly weighted toward one side.
Referring to one aspect or perspective of a complex issue.
Means 'one side' or 'one aspect' of a multifaceted thing. Also used for a whole surface or a front page. Here it emphasizes a single facet.
We often see only one side of things.
I learned one side of his personality.
Literally 'to look at only one side'. Used metaphorically for considering only one aspect.
片面 (katamen) is for flat surfaces like paper or coins. 片側 (katagawa) is for lateral sides of roads, boxes, or symmetrical objects. 一方 (ippou) is more abstract and often used in contrasts or for one end of something long.
Saying 一つの側 (hitotsu no gawa) for 'one side' is unnatural. Use the specific compounds above.
Only one person from the couple came.
一方の言い分だけを聞いて判断してはいけない。
You shouldn't judge based on only one side's story.
I have a one-sided crush on him.
I'm against a unilateral decision.
Literally 'one-way traffic'. Used for roads, but also metaphorically for one-way communication or a one-sided relationship.
This road is one-way.
Conversations with him are always one-sided.
It's dangerous to judge by looking at only one side.