I heard people say "right-hand side" or "left-hand side" before. Is it same as just saying "right side" or "left side?"
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
They're very similar and often interchangeable! The difference is that the "hand" indicates which is closer to the person in relation to their body, whereas "left side" and "right side" are more straightforward and technical. Also, without the "hand," sometimes "right" could be mistaken as "correct" instead of the direction. Ex: In Korea, we drive on the right side of the road. => could also mean "correct" = In Korea, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. => more natural Ex: The bag is on your left. = The bag is on your left-hand side.