옆 (yeop) · 곁 (gyeot) · 이웃 (i-us, ius)
옆, 곁, and 이웃 all express closeness, but 옆 focuses on physical proximity, 곁 on emotional closeness, and 이웃 on social relationships.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a physical position or direction right next to something
When to use
physical location, direction description, seat arrangement
The nuance
Used to describe spatial position of objects or people, mainly visible physical distance or direction.
Conveys emotional or psychological closeness, or staying near someone emotionally
When to use
emotional closeness, emotional support, comfort and companionship
The nuance
Used in contexts of emotional relationships or staying close emotionally, focusing on emotional bonds rather than physical location.
Refers to people living in the same neighborhood or community, emphasizing social relationships
When to use
social relationship, neighborhood people, community members
The nuance
Refers to people living in the same area, used to express social or community relationships, emphasizing human connections beyond physical distance.
나는 친구 옆에 앉았다.
na-neun chin-gu yeop-e an-ass-da., na neun chin gu yeop e an ass da.
옆 indicates physical location, so sitting right next to a friend is correctly expressed.
나는 친구 곁에 앉았다.
na-neun chin-gu gyeot-e an-ass-da., na neun chin gu gyeot e an ass da.
곁 conveys emotional closeness, so it fits when emphasizing emotional proximity to a friend.
나는 친구 이웃에 앉았다.
na-neun chin-gu i-us-e an-ass-da., na neun chin gu i us e an ass da.
이웃 means social relationship, so it is inappropriate to describe physical seating position; use 옆 or 곁 instead.
그는 아픈 친구 곁에서 밤새 간호했다.
geu-neun a-peun chin-gu gyeot-e-seo bam-sae gan-ho-haess-da., geu neun a peun chin gu gyeot e seo bam sae gan ho haess da.
곁 expresses emotional support or companionship, fitting for caring for a sick friend overnight.
그는 아픈 친구 옆에서 밤새 간호했다.
geu-neun a-peun chin-gu yeop-e-seo bam-sae gan-ho-haess-da., geu neun a peun chin gu yeop e seo bam sae gan ho haess da.
옆 shows physical closeness, so nursing a friend physically nearby is natural.
그는 아픈 친구 이웃에서 밤새 간호했다.
geu-neun a-peun chin-gu i-us-e-seo bam-sae gan-ho-haess-da., geu neun a peun chin gu i us e seo bam sae gan ho haess da.
이웃 refers to social relationships, so it is inappropriate to describe nursing location.
우리 집 이웃은 친절하다.
u-ri jip i-us-eun chin-jeol-ha-da., u ri jip i us eun chin jeol ha da.
이웃 means people living nearby, so it fits to describe neighborhood people.
우리 집 옆은 친절하다.
u-ri jip yeop-eun chin-jeol-ha-da., u ri jip yeop eun chin jeol ha da.
옆 indicates physical location, but using it alone to describe people is unnatural; use '옆 사람'.
Which word suits expressing emotional closeness with a friend?
Which word refers to people living in the same neighborhood?
Which word indicates a physical position right next to something?
What does it mean?
