Translation guide
The English phrase 'right hand' can refer to the body part, a direction or side, or a trusted assistant. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the right hand as a physical body part.
Indicating the right-hand side or direction.
Referring to a person who is a close, indispensable helper.
Do not translate 'right hand' as 右手 when referring to a person. Use 右腕 or 片腕 instead. 右手 only means the physical hand.
彼は私の右手です。
He is my right hand. (incorrect, sounds like 'he is my physical right hand')
I write with my right hand.
右手を上げてください。
Please raise your right hand.
Means 'right side'. Commonly used for location or direction.
右側に立ってください。
Please stand on the right-hand side.
右側通行です。
Keep to the right (traffic).
Simply 'right'. Can be used in many contexts, but may be ambiguous without context.
右に曲がってください。
Please turn right.
Literally 'of the right hand', used to describe something on the right-hand side, often in formal or written contexts.
右手のドアからお入りください。
Please enter through the door on your right.
Literally 'right arm', this is the closest equivalent to 'right-hand man/woman'. Used for a trusted, capable assistant.
彼は社長の右腕だ。
He is the president's right-hand man.
彼女は私の右腕として働いてくれている。
She works as my right-hand woman.
Literally 'one arm', meaning an indispensable assistant. Slightly less common than 右腕 but similar in meaning.
彼は私の片腕です。
He is my right-hand man.
Means 'confidant' or 'trusted aide'. More formal and implies deep trust, often used in political or business contexts.
彼は大統領の腹心の部下だ。
He is a trusted aide of the president.