そば

noun

nearby; close by; beside; vicinity

Refers to a place or position near something or someone. Often used with に or の to indicate location.

• 駅えきのそばにコンビニがあります。

  There is a convenience store near the station.

• 彼かれはいつも私わたしのそばにいる。

  He is always by my side.

noun

as soon as; right after

Used in the pattern 〜そばから, following the attributive form of a verb, to indicate that something happens immediately after another action, often with a nuance of repetition or inevitability.

See also: そばから

• 覚おぼえたそばから忘わすれてしまう。

  I forget things as soon as I learn them.

• 片かた付づけるそばから子こ供どもが散ちらかす。

  The kids make a mess right after I tidy up.