お側
おそば · osoba
Near, close, beside, vicinity, proximity, besides, while
- attendant, retainer, vassal
Other ways to say “near” in Japanese →
flat · what is pitch accent?
How it’s used
A literary or formal word meaning 'beside (a person of high status)' or 'attendant'; commonly encountered in historical fiction, period dramas, or formal speech, not everyday conversation.
Often confused with 'soba' (side/near) in modern Japanese; 'osoba' specifically implies proximity to a superior or the role of an attendant.
Example sentences
お側に控えていなさい。
Stay beside me (as an attendant).
Nihoner
彼は殿のお側で仕えた。
He served at the lord's side.
Nihoner
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Questions
What does お側 mean?
Near, close, beside, vicinity, proximity, besides, while. It can also mean: attendant, retainer, vassal.
How do you pronounce お側?
おそば (osoba). Pitch accent: heiban — flat. Press Listen above to hear it.
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