How to say "beside" in Japanese

• かたわらJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjective, adverbCovers 'beside' as a noun for the space right at a person's or thing's side; its 'besides' sense means doing something in addition to one's main work or activity.
  メアリーは読書どくしょをしており、１匹ひきの猫ねこがかたわらで眠ねむっていた。↗

  Mary was reading, with a cat sleeping beside her.
• そばJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe default choice for physical nearness: someone or something standing, sitting or lying right next to you or close by. Note that it is normally written in kana.
  あの窓まどのそばの机つくえは使つかうな。↗

  Don't use the desk by that window.
• 横手よこてCommon
  no-adjectiveGlossed 'side; beside', but really a noun meaning the side of something; as a rendering of 'beside' it is marginal, and learners will seldom want it — prefer そば or 脇.
• 脇わきJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounA noun for the space just off to the side of something: a bag placed by a chair, the side of a road. It also covers 'close to' and 'near'.

Use 「そば」 when someone or something is simply near or right next to something; 脇 and 「かたわら」 are nouns for the space at someone's or something's side, 「かたわら」 also meaning 'besides'; 横手 is seldom needed for 'beside'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• かたわらside
• そば(place) near by
• 横手よこてside
• 傍らにかたわらにbeside
• おそばnear
• 脇わきbeside
• 横よこbeside