Translation guide
The English phrase "side of a boat" refers to the lateral part of a vessel. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent is 船側 (せんそく) or 舷 (げん), but the specific term depends on context, such as whether you mean the exterior hull, the interior, or a directional reference (port/starboard).
Referring to the side of a boat in a general, non-technical sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'side of a boat'. It can be used in everyday conversation.
I painted the side of the boat.
A slightly more technical or nautical term for the side of a boat, often used in compound words.
Please don't lean against the side of the boat.
A more colloquial phrase meaning 'the side of the boat', using 横 (side).
There was a big scratch on the side of the boat.
Specifically referring to the left or right side of a boat when facing forward.
Port side (left side when facing the bow). Standard nautical term.
I can see another boat on the port side.
Starboard side (right side when facing the bow). Standard nautical term.
Port side, but more traditional/nautical jargon. Literally 'helm to port'.
Starboard side, traditional/nautical jargon. Literally 'helm to starboard'.
Referring to the interior side wall of a boat's cabin or hull.
舷 (げん) is more technical and often appears in compounds like 左舷 (port) and 右舷 (starboard). 船側 (せんそく) is more general and can be used in everyday contexts. For non-nautical conversations, 船の横 (ふねのよこ) is also natural.
Directly translating 'side' as 側面 (そくめん) or サイド is not natural for boats. Use the specific nautical terms or the general 船側.
右舷から接岸します。
We will dock on the starboard side.
取り舵いっぱい！
Hard to port!
面舵に切れ。
Turn to starboard.