味方・身方・御方|みかたmikata[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N3approx.Common
Which spelling to use
味方味方 is the most common written form. It uses kanji chosen for their sound, and is the form beginners should use.
身方身方 is a less common variant of 味方, also using kanji chosen for their sound. You will rarely need to write it.
御方御方 is a rarely used kanji-only variant of 味方. Beginners generally need not choose it in writing.
Definitions
  1. no-adjectivefriend; ally; supporter
    私は民主主義みんしゅしゅぎの味方みかただ。↗
    I am on the side of democracy.
  2. noun, suru verb, intransitive verbtaking sides (with); supporting; standing by; backing up
Conjugation
Dictionary form味方する(みかたする)
Polite (masu)味方します(みかたします)
Negative (nai)味方しない(みかたしない)
polite (masen)味方しません(みかたしません)
classical zu / nu味方せず・味方せぬ(みかたせず・みかたせぬ)
Past (ta)味方した(みかたした)
polite (mashita)味方しました(みかたしました)
Past negative (nakatta)味方しなかった(みかたしなかった)
polite (masen deshita)味方しませんでした(みかたしませんでした)
Te form味方して(みかたして)
Potential味方できる(みかたできる)
Passive味方される(みかたされる)
Causative味方させる(みかたさせる)
Causative passive味方させられる(みかたさせられる)
Conditional (ba)味方すれば(みかたすれば)
tara味方したら(みかたしたら)
Volitional味方しよう(みかたしよう)
polite (mashou)味方しましょう(みかたしましょう)
Imperative味方しろ(みかたしろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym仲間なかまNeutralCompanions or partners you do things with, as in 「仲間に入る」; stresses belonging to the same group, while 「味方」 stresses taking your side.
  • Related友達ともだちNeutralThe everyday word for a friend. A 「味方」 need not be a friend—anyone who supports you counts.
  • Related友人ゆうじんNeutralAlso a word for friends, but leans formal and written, as in 「友人代表」.
  • Related友ともWrittenWritten word for a friend or companion; also figurative for something kept constantly at your side, as in 「本を友とする」.
  • Related朋友ほうゆうWrittenA literary, elegant word for a friend; in everyday speech say 「友達」.
  • RelatedフレンドNeutralLoanword used mostly in compounds like 「ボーイフレンド」; rarely stands alone.
  • Related仲良しなかよしNeutralClose friends who get along well, as in 「仲良しグループ」; common in colloquial speech.
  • Related同朋どうぼうWrittenWritten word for companions; also the attendants of the Muromachi shogunate. Rare in everyday use.
  • Related友垣ともがきWrittenArchaic literary word for friends, not used in modern daily speech—「友達」 will do. It lacks 「味方」's sense of being on the same side.
  • Related友朋ゆうほうWrittenRare written word for a friend; in daily speech say 「友人」.
  • Related知友ちゆうWrittenRare written word for a close, trusted friend; in daily speech say 「親友」.
  • Related馴染みなじみNeutralA person or shop you know well, as in 「馴染みの店」; stresses familiarity rather than taking sides.
  • Antonym敵方てきがたNeutralThe enemy side or hostile camp; stands opposite 「味方」 in allegiance.

Use 「味方」 for someone on your side in a dispute or contest. For friends say 「友達」 (casual) or 「友人」 (formal); 「仲間」 for companions in a group; 「仲良し」 for close friends; 「馴染み」 for familiar people or shops. The opposite of 「味方」 is 「敵方」.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 味あじ 方ほう(あじがた、みかた)
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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