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.
the house on the opposite side
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.
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.
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.
Please write your name on the opposite side of the paper.
Also works for flat objects, but 裏側 is more specific for the reverse side.
The opposing position in an argument, discussion, or perspective.
The other face of a three-dimensional object, like a wall, door, or box.
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.
the opposite side of the coin
Please sit on the opposite side of the table.
I heard a sound from the opposite side of the wall.