Quick answer
側 is the kanji for "Side". A common reading is かわ (kawa). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Side
Also : Lean · Oppose · Regret
Learn 側 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 側 represents 'SIDE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of side.
On-reading: そく — remember this sound by associating it with side. Kun-reading: かわ.
Example Sentences
こちら側に来てください。
こちらがわにきてください。
Please come to this side.
窓側の席をお願いします。
まどがわのせきをおねがいします。
I'd like a window seat, please.
Vocabulary using 側
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように~ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする~ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる~ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり~ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ~はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 側 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.