Japanese symbol for “proximity”
側
そば
Romaji: soba
(place) near by; (place) close by; (place) right next to; the side (of something)
In Japanese, proximity is 側, read そば (soba).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n (place) near by; (place) close by; (place) right next to; the side (of something); beside; vicinity
- n as soon as; right after
Written forms: 側、傍. Readings: そば.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “proximity”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 近接 | きんせつ kinsetsu | proximity; nearness; being nearby |
| お側 | おそば osoba | near; close; beside |
| 近間 | ちかま chikama | proximity; nearby |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 側面 | そくめん sokumen | side; flank; profile |
| 内側 | うちがわ uchigawa | inside; interior; inner part |
| 外側 | そとがわ sotogawa | exterior; outside; outer |
| 右側 | みぎがわ migigawa | right side; right-hand side |
| 左側 | ひだりがわ hidarigawa | left side; left-hand side |
| 両側 | りょうがわ ryougawa | both sides |
See also: Chinese symbol for “proximity”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.