Translation guide
Describes two or more things positioned next to each other, often implying closeness, cooperation, or comparison.
Describing physical arrangement of two or more objects, people, or places that are adjacent.
The most common way to say 'side by side' for physical positioning. It is the te-form of 並ぶ (to line up) and often used with verbs like 座る (sit), 立つ (stand), 歩く (walk).
二人は並んで座っていた。
The two were sitting side by side.
彼らは並んで歩いた。
They walked side by side.
Describing cooperation, collaboration, or joint effort between people or groups.
Means 'cooperating' or 'working together'. Used when people or groups work side by side towards a common goal.
私たちは協力して問題を解決した。
We worked side by side to solve the problem.
Placing two things next to each other for comparison, often visually or conceptually.
Literally 'line up and compare'. Used when examining two items side by side to note differences or similarities.
二つの写真を並べて比較してみた。
I compared the two photos side by side.
Literally 'to the side', used to describe something placed or positioned beside another. Often combined with verbs like 置く (place) or 並べる (line up).
机を横に並べてください。
Please place the desks side by side.
Emphasizes being adjacent or next to each other, often for people or buildings. Slightly more formal than 並んで.
二つの家が隣り合って建っている。
The two houses are built side by side.
Means 'together', often used in formal or written contexts to express joint action or shared experience.
彼らは共に戦った。
They fought side by side.
Literally 'lining up shoulders', an idiomatic phrase meaning to work together as equals or to be on par with someone. Often used in competitive or collaborative contexts.
彼は先輩と肩を並べて働いている。
He works side by side with his seniors.
A single verb meaning 'to compare by looking at side by side'. Implies a visual comparison.
二つのデザインを見比べてください。
Please compare the two designs side by side.