How to Say “Next to” in Chinese
Getting around · HSK 2
"Next to" in Chinese is 在旁边 (zài páng biān). 旁边 (pángbiān) means 'beside' or 'next to' and is one of the most useful location words you'll use daily. The structure is [noun] + 旁边, e.
Primary translation
在旁边
zài páng biān
Traditional: 在旁邊
When to use it
旁边 (pángbiān) means 'beside' or 'next to' and is one of the most useful location words you'll use daily. The structure is [noun] + 旁边, e.g. 银行旁边 means 'next to the bank.' Unlike English, Chinese puts the reference point first. A common beginner mistake is saying 旁边银行; wrong order. Locals also use 隔壁 (gébì) for 'right next door,' usually for buildings, shops, or apartments that share a wall. 旁边 is more general and works for people, objects, and places.
Example sentences
便利店就在地铁站旁边。
Biàn lì diàn jiù zài dì tiě zhàn páng biān.
The convenience store is right next to the subway station.
你可以坐在我旁边。
Nǐ kě yǐ zuò zài wǒ páng biān.
You can sit next to me.
我家旁边有一个公园。
Wǒ jiā páng biān yǒu yí ge gōng yuán.
There's a park next to my house.