옆 (yeop) · 근처 (geun-cheo, geuncheo)
옆 means immediately next to something, while 근처 refers to a nearby area within a broader range.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a position or direction immediately beside something.
When to use
immediate next seat, introducing next person, placing beside desk
The nuance
Use 옆 when referring to something directly adjacent or immediately beside an object, mainly spatial relationships.
Refers to the nearby area or vicinity around a place.
When to use
restaurant near school, park near home, meeting nearby
The nuance
Use 근처 to indicate a somewhat broader surrounding area near a specific place; not necessarily directly adjacent.
내 자리는 그 사람 옆에 있어요.
nae ja-ri-neun geu sa-ram yeop-e iss-eo-yo., nae ja ri neun geu sa ram yeop e iss eo yo.
Correctly uses 옆 to express an immediate adjacent position.
내 자리는 그 사람 근처에 있어요.
nae ja-ri-neun geu sa-ram geun-cheo-e iss-eo-yo., nae ja ri neun geu sa ram geun cheo e iss eo yo.
근처 is too broad for a very close seat position; 옆 is more precise here.
학교 옆에 큰 공원이 있어요.
hak-gyo yeop-e keun gong-won-i iss-eo-yo., hak gyo yeop e keun gong won i iss eo yo.
Correct when the park is directly next to the school.
우리 집은 편의점 옆에 있어요.
u-ri jip-eun pyeon-ui-jeom yeop-e iss-eo-yo., u ri jip eun pyeon ui jeom yeop e iss eo yo.
Correct use of 옆 for a location immediately beside the convenience store.
우리 집은 편의점 근처에 있어요.
u-ri jip-eun pyeon-ui-jeom geun-cheo-e iss-eo-yo., u ri jip eun pyeon ui jeom geun cheo e iss eo yo.
근처 is correct to indicate vicinity around the convenience store.
근처 사람을 소개할게요.
geun-cheo sa-ram-eul so-gae-hal-ge-yo., geun cheo sa ram eul so gae hal ge yo.
근처 cannot be used to describe a person; 옆 사람 is correct.
옆 사람을 소개할게요.
yeop sa-ram-eul so-gae-hal-ge-yo., yeop sa ram eul so gae hal ge yo.
Correct use of 옆 to describe a person sitting next to you.
Which word fits when referring to a place immediately next to the school?
Which word fits when expressing a nearby area around a park?
Which word fits when referring to a friend sitting immediately next to you?
What does it mean?
