Meaning
旁 refers to the side or area beside something. It functions as a localizer in Chinese, indicating position or location next to or alongside another object. It's commonly used in compound words and phrases to express spatial relationships.
Usage
旁 is most commonly seen in compound words like 旁边 (beside) and 身旁 (at one's side). As a standalone character, it appears in more formal or literary contexts. It can also refer to 'other people' or 'bystanders' in certain expressions. Native speakers rarely use 旁 alone in spoken language, preferring compounds like 旁边.
Examples
- 01她坐在我身旁，轻声说话。, .She sat at my side, speaking softly.
- 02旁人都不知道这件事的真相。.Other people don't know the truth about this matter.
Common collocations
- 在...旁...at the side of...
- 旁人other people, bystanders
- 旁观to look on as a bystander
- 站在一旁to stand aside
Antonyms
Origin
The character 旁 originally depicted a side room or compartment next to the main chamber. The radical 方 (direction) appears twice in its traditional form, emphasizing the concept of lateral position or sidedness.