Translation guide
Describes the side directly across from a reference point, whether physical, metaphorical, or relational. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being faced: a street, a table, a viewpoint, or a surface.
The other side of a road, river, or area, directly facing the speaker or a reference point.
Most common for the side directly opposite, especially across a street or open space. Often used for buildings, shops, or people sitting opposite.
向かい側の家
the house on the opposite side
彼は向かい側に座った。
He sat on the opposite side.
General term for the opposite side, not necessarily facing. Can be used for streets, rooms, or objects. Slightly more formal than 向かい側.
駅の反対側に出てください。
Please go out on the opposite side of the station.
The far side or other side, often implying distance or a barrier. Common for rivers, fences, or the other side of a counter.
川の向こう側に村がある。
There's a village on the opposite side of the river.
The reverse or back side of a two-sided object, like a piece of paper, a table, or a coin.
The back or reverse side of something flat. Used for paper, cards, coins, and also metaphorically for hidden aspects.
紙の裏側に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on the opposite side of the paper.
コインの裏側
the opposite side of the coin
Also works for flat objects, but 裏側 is more specific for the reverse side.
The opposing position in an argument, discussion, or perspective.
Literally 'opposite standpoint'. Used when referring to the other side in a debate or opinion.
反対の立場を理解するのは大切だ。
It's important to understand the opposite side.
The other party or opposing side, often in negotiations or conflicts.
相手側の意見も聞くべきだ。
We should also listen to the opposite side's opinion.
The other face of a three-dimensional object, like a wall, door, or box.
Works for any object where you can point to the other side.
ドアの反対側に立っていた。
I was standing on the opposite side of the door.
Emphasizes the far side, often with a sense of 'beyond'.
向かい側 (mukaigawa) is for facing directly opposite, like across a street. 反対側 (hantaigawa) is the general 'opposite side' for any context. 向こう側 (mukougawa) implies distance or a barrier, like across a river or fence.
For the back of a sheet of paper, 裏側 (uragawa) is more natural. 反対側 could be understood but sounds less precise.
Please sit on the opposite side of the table.
壁の向こう側から音が聞こえた。
I heard a sound from the opposite side of the wall.