Translation guide
The English phrase "right side" can refer to physical position, direction, or metaphorical correctness. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 右側 (migigawa), but the choice depends on context. This guide covers spatial, directional, and figurative uses, with notes on natural phrasing.
To refer to the right-hand part of something, such as a building, body, or page.
The most common and neutral word for 'right side'. Used for physical objects, locations, and spatial descriptions.
建物の右側に駐車場があります。
There is a parking lot on the right side of the building.
写真の右側に写っている人は誰ですか？
Who is the person on the right side of the photo?
A more general word for 'right'. Can be used alone or with particles to indicate the right side, but often less specific than 右側.
右に曲がってください。
Please turn right.
机の右に本があります。
There is a book on the right side of the desk.
A formal or literary term for 'right side' or 'right direction'. Rare in everyday speech.
右方に山々が見える。
Mountains can be seen on the right side.
To describe movement or orientation toward the right, or the right side relative to a direction of travel.
Also used for directional contexts, such as 'on the right side of the road'.
日本では車は左側を走り、右側は追い越し車線です。
In Japan, cars drive on the left side, and the right side is the passing lane.
Literally 'right hand', but often used to mean 'on the right' or 'to the right' in directional contexts, especially when giving directions.
Means 'right direction'. Used in navigation or technical contexts.
右方向に進むと駅があります。
If you go in the right direction, you'll find the station.
To express the idea of being on the correct, moral, or advantageous side of a situation.
Literally 'correct side'. Used in moral or ethical contexts, such as 'the right side of history'.
彼は歴史の正しい側に立った。
He stood on the right side of history.
Means 'advantageous side'. Used when 'right side' implies a beneficial position.
交渉で有利な側に立つ。
To be on the right side of the negotiation.
To refer to the outer or visible side of cloth, paper, etc.
Means 'front' or 'right side' of fabric, paper, or other materials. Opposite of 裏 (ura, back/wrong side).
布の表を上にして置いてください。
Please place the fabric with the right side up.
Can be used in some contexts, but 表 is more natural for fabric.
When referring to the right side of the body, Japanese often uses 右 (migi) directly with the body part, e.g., 右足 (migi ashi, right leg), rather than 右側の足 (migigawa no ashi).
右側 (migigawa) specifically means 'right side' as a location, while 右 (migi) is more general and can mean 'right' as a direction. Use 右側 when you need to emphasize the side of something.
Please turn right at the intersection.
この紙の右側に印刷されています。
It's printed on the right side of this paper.