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.
この紙は片面だけ使ってください。
Please use only one side of this paper.
片面印刷でお願いします。
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.
道路の片側が工事中です。
One side of the road is under construction.
箱の片側にラベルを貼ってください。
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.
棒の一方を持ってください。
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.
手袋の片方が見つからない。
I can't find one of my gloves.
カップルの片方だけが来ました。
Only one person from the couple came.
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.
Adjectival noun meaning 'one-sided', 'unilateral', or 'unfair'. Used for actions, decisions, or communication that comes from only one side without reciprocity.
彼の話は一方的すぎる。
His story is too one-sided.
一方的な決定に反対です。
I'm against a unilateral decision.
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.
物事にはいつも一面しか見ていないことがある。
We often see only one side of things.
彼の性格の一面を知った。
I learned one side of his personality.
Literally 'to look at only one side'. Used metaphorically for considering only one aspect.
片面だけ見て判断するのは危険だ。
It's dangerous to judge by looking at only one side.
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.
You shouldn't judge based on only one side's story.
彼に片思いしている。
I have a one-sided crush on him.
Literally 'one-way traffic'. Used for roads, but also metaphorically for one-way communication or a one-sided relationship.
この道は一方通行です。
This road is one-way.
彼との会話はいつも一方通行だ。
Conversations with him are always one-sided.