side

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 側 denotes proximity or a side, with the readings そば, がわ, かわ, and そく.
• Basic usage: 内側(うちがわ) means the inside, and 外側(そとがわ) means the outside.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Proximity and side
  • そば focuses on being near something; がわ in 内側 and 外側 identifies a side relative to a boundary.
• Where a mark is placed
  • In 箱の外側に印を付ける, に marks where the mark is placed. Inside and outside are defined relative to the box.