Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Side" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "side", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
側面
そくめん (sokumen)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
兼業
けんぎょう (kengyō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "side" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 側面 and 兼業.
In Japanese, 側面 (そくめん (sokumen)) is typically associated with "side, aspect, flank" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a particular aspect or facet of something, especially when discussing a complex issue from different angles. Can also mean the literal 'side' of an object..
On the other hand, 兼業 (けんぎょう (kengyō)) maps to "side job; concurrent post; holding two jobs concurrently" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to having more than one job or profession at the same time. Can be used as 兼業する or 兼業で. A literal translation of "side" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "側面"
その計画には、いくつかの重要な側面がある。
That plan has several important aspects.
Bilingual Context for "兼業"
彼は本業の傍ら、ライターの兼業をしている。
Besides his main job, he also has a side job as a writer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その計画には、いくつかの重要な ＿＿＿ がある。" (Meaning: "That plan has several important aspects.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "側面" fits here because it means "side, aspect, flank" in the context of: "That plan has several important aspects.". "兼業" represents "side job; concurrent post; holding two jobs concurrently".