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March 24, 2026
側cè(ce4)
The character 側 (cè) primarily means 'side' or 'to lean.' It is often used to describe a physical position that is not upright, such as when something is slanted or inclined. This character can also refer to a figurative 'side' in discussions, such as taking sides in an argument.
Strokes11Radical亻Frequency#51657DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of sides is significant, particularly in the design of structures, where balance and orientation are crucial for harmony. This is reflected in how the term 側 can denote not just physical sides but also perspectives in social contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person leaning to one side (側) while trying to balance a large, heavy object. The character looks like a person tilting over, and the pronunciation 'cè' sounds like 'set' with a slant, emphasizing the leaning aspect.
Meanings of 側
cè(ce4)
1side; to slant, to lean, to incline
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 側
側Simplified
11Strokes
亻Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
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Podcast: 側
Podcast: 側
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AI Study Notes for 側
Quick Contrast
侧 (cè) vs 边 (biān) — use 側 (cè) when referring to a position that is slanted or inclined, while 边 (biān) refers more generally to the edge or boundary of something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person leaning to one side (側) while trying to balance a large, heavy object. The character looks like a person tilting over, and the pronunciation 'cè' sounds like 'set' with a slant, emphasizing the leaning aspect.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 側 (cè) with 侧 (cè), which is a simplified version used in Mainland China. The character can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of collocations like 側面 (cèmiàn) meaning 'side' or 'aspect'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 側 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to related words like 侧面 (cèmiàn) and 側身 (cèshēn), which are useful for learners at various levels. Focus on recognizing its usage in phrases related to position and orientation.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of sides is significant, particularly in the design of structures, where balance and orientation are crucial for harmony. This is reflected in how the term 側 can denote not just physical sides but also perspectives in social contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 側 with 侧, leading to misspellings. For example, writing 侧 instead of 側 when using traditional characters in appropriate contexts is a common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 側
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Cultural Notes for 側
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the concept of sides is significant, particularly in the design of structures, where balance and orientation are crucial for harmony. This is reflected in how the term 側 can denote not just physical sides but also perspectives in social contexts.
Word Family of 側
Words Containing This Character20
侧cèthe side側
侧面cèmiànside側面
右侧right side右側
左侧left side左側
外侧outer side外側
侧重cèzhòngto place particular emphasis on側重
东侧east side東側
西侧west side西側
侧门side door側門
两侧liǎngcètwo sides兩側
北侧north side北側
侧身(to stand or move) sideways側身
南侧south side南側
侧卧to lie on one's side側臥
侧耳to listen側耳
侧影profile側影
侧目shocked側目
辗转反侧to toss and turn restlessly (in the bed)輾轉反側
旁敲侧击to make insinuations旁敲側擊
侧重点main point側重點
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 侧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 側
側 is the traditional form, while 侧 is the simplified version used in Mainland China. Their meanings are the same, but usage depends on the script.
Yes, 側 can describe taking sides in an argument or situation, not just physical positions.
