Translation guide
To support or align with one person, group, or side in a conflict, argument, or dispute.
Express taking someone's side in an argument, fight, or dispute.
The most common and natural way to say 'side with someone'. Literally 'do someone's ally'.
彼はいつも弟の味方をする。
He always sides with his younger brother.
私はあなたの味方をします。
I'll side with you.
Literally 'attach to someone's side'. Slightly more formal or written than 味方をする.
彼は社長の側についた。
He sided with the company president.
Means 'support' in a more formal or political sense. Can be used for siding with an opinion or policy.
彼は新しい政策を支持した。
He sided with the new policy.
Implies taking part in something, often with a negative connotation (e.g., siding with the wrong party).
彼は敵に加担した。
He sided with the enemy.
Express agreement or alignment with someone's viewpoint.
General term for agreeing with someone. Can be used when siding with an opinion.
私は彼の意見に同意します。
I side with his opinion.
Both mean 'side with', but 味方をする is more common in everyday speech and implies emotional support. 側につく is slightly more formal and can imply a strategic alignment.
母はいつも私の味方をしてくれる。
My mother always sides with me.
彼は選挙で与党の側についた。
He sided with the ruling party in the election.
Do not translate 'side with' literally as 側にいる (to be at someone's side physically). Use the phrases above to express support in a conflict.
Literally 'have the same opinion as ~'. Casual and direct.
私はあなたと同じ意見だ。
I side with you on this.