side · armpit

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 脇 is read わき, has 10 strokes, and represents the side or armpit.
• Basic usage: 脇 is read わき, and 両脇 is read りょうわき.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 脇 and 両脇
  • 脇 means side or armpit.
  • 鞄は通路を塞がないよう椅子の脇に置いた。 means “I placed my bag beside the chair so that it would not block the aisle.”
  • 両脇 means both sides or underarms.
  • 道の両脇に背の高い木が並んでいる。 means “Tall trees line both sides of the road.”