Note
側 is usually written using kana alone as そば, and indicates proximity or nearness to something or someone, without specifying a particular side.
側 specifies a particular side or aspect of something. Often used with direction words to indicate specific sides, such as right, left, this side, that side, etc.
Breakdown of soba
side
側
You have a person who rules you by your side.
Usages of soba
彼 は いつも 私 の そば に います。kare wa itsumo watashi no soba ni imasu.
He is always by my side.
駅 の そば に 住んで います。eki no soba ni sunde imasu.
I live near the station.
図書館 は 学校 の そば に あります。toshokan wa gakkou no soba ni arimasu.
The library is near the school.
彼 の そば に 座りました。kare no soba ni suwarimashita.
I sat beside him.
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