1The side, flank, or part of something — and by extension, one's side, faction, or position. Used in spatial expressions like 右側 (right side), 窓側 (window side) and in figurative/group expressions like 会社側 (the company's side), 反対側 (the opposing side). Almost always seen as the suffix 〜側. Read がわ in modern Japanese; the older reading かわ has effectively dropped out of use.
歩道は右側を歩いてください。
Please walk on the right side of the sidewalk.
窓側の席を予約しておきました。
I went ahead and booked a window-side seat.
今回の問題については、会社側にも責任がある。
The company also bears responsibility for this problem.
ボールは反対側のチームに渡ってしまった。
The ball ended up with the opposing team.
どんな時もあなたの側に立つよ。
I'll stand by your side no matter what.
2An old-fashioned word for the outer case or shell of a watch or clock. Modern Japanese normally uses ケース (case) or 本体 (body) for this; 側 in this sense survives mainly as jargon among watch repairers and antique dealers. Read がわ in modern usage, though older texts may have かわ.
懐中時計の側が傷ついていたので、職人に磨いてもらった。
The case of the pocket watch was scratched, so I had a craftsman polish it.
古い金時計の側には細かな彫刻が施されていた。
Delicate engravings had been worked into the case of the old gold watch.