the side

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character (cè) primarily refers to the side or lateral part of an object or space. It is commonly used to indicate a physical side, such as the side of a building, a door, or a body.

Common Collocations

  • 侧面 (cèmiàn): side, lateral surface
  • (cèmén): side door
  • (cèbiān): side edge

These collocations are frequently used in everyday conversation and writing to specify location or direction.

Usage Notes

When using , it often appears in compound words to specify a particular side or direction. It is less common to use alone as a noun in casual speech; instead, compounds like 侧面 or are preferred.

Common Confusions

Don't confuse with (biān), which also means side but is more general and can refer to edges or borders. emphasizes the lateral or side aspect, often implying a view or position relative to the front or center.

Register and Tone

The word is neutral in tone and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences

他站在房子的侧面,观察外面的情况。

Tā zhàn zài fángzi de cèmiàn, guānchá wàimiàn de qíngkuàng.

He stood on the side of the house, observing the situation outside.

请从侧门进入,不要走正门。

Qǐng cóng cèmén jìnrù, bú yào zǒu zhèngmén.

Please enter through the side door, do not use the main entrance.

这张照片拍摄的是建筑物的侧面。

Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn pāishè de shì jiànzhùwù de cèmiàn.

This photo captures the side of the building.