右侧 literally means 'right side' — 右 (yòu) means 'right' (as in direction or position), and 侧 (cè) means 'side' or 'flank'. Together, they form a compound noun specifying the right-hand side of something, whether it’s a person’s body, an object, a vehicle, a room, or a page. It is neutral in register and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.

This term is frequently used for giving or following directions (e.g., 'turn to the right side'), describing spatial relationships ('the book is on the right side of the desk'), or indicating anatomical location ('pain in the right side'). Unlike the standalone word 右, which can also function as an adjective or noun meaning 'right' (e.g., right hand, right wing), 右侧 always functions as a noun referring specifically to the physical side — never as an adjective or verb. It is often paired with 左侧 (zuǒcè, 'left side') for contrast.