右边
right side; on the right
yòubian
What does 右边 mean?
右边 (yòubian) is the Chinese noun for 'the right side' — used both for spatial direction ('on the right') and as a positional reference. It typically follows the location/object whose right side you mean: 银行的右边 ('the right side of the bank'), 我的右边 ('on my right'). To say 'turn right,' use 往右拐 (wǎng yòu guǎi) or 向右转 (xiàng yòu zhuǎn) — these use 右 alone, not 右边.
Like other 边-suffix direction words (左边, 上边, 下边, 前边, 后边, 旁边), 右边 has 边 in the neutral tone in fast speech (yòubian, not yòubiān). The variant 右面 (yòumiàn) is interchangeable, with 右边 being more common in northern Mandarin and 右面 slightly more common in southern speech.
Character breakdown
right (direction)
side; edge
Memory hook: Right + side = 'right side.' The 边 suffix is what turns a bare direction (右) into a location noun (右边).
Example sentences
银行在医院的右边。
Yínháng zài yīyuàn de yòubian.
The bank is to the right of the hospital.
neutral
请坐在我的右边。
Qǐng zuò zài wǒ de yòubian.
Please sit on my right.
polite
右边那个是我哥哥。
Yòubian nàge shì wǒ gēge.
The one on the right is my older brother.
spoken
前面路口往右拐。
Qiánmiàn lùkǒu wǎng yòu guǎi.
Turn right at the intersection ahead.
spoken
Common phrases with 右边
Synonyms
Same meaning as 右边. 右边 is slightly more common in standard Mandarin and northern speech; 右面 is equally fine and a touch more common in southern China.
右侧 is the formal/written term for 'right side' — used in signs, instructions, and news (e.g. 请走右侧 — 'please walk on the right'). In conversation, use 右边.
Don't confuse 右边 with
Direct opposite — 左边 = left side. Beginners often mix up 左 and 右; remember 右 has 口 ('mouth') on the bottom, and most people eat with their right hand.
FAQ
Acquire by listening
Hear 右边 in real Chinese, not in a flashcard.
Fluentide picks the next news episode at your level, so this word shows up again and again in real sentences. Pinyin, translation, and the episode where you heard it — every time. Free to start, no card.