Noun
(place) near by; (place) close by; (place) right next to; the side (of something); beside; vicinity; proximity; neighbourhood (neighborhood)
Usually written using kana alone
あの窓のそばの机は使うな。Don't use the desk by that window. as soon as; right after
Usually written using kana aloneafter the attributive form of a verb; as ...〜からsee そばから
Also written 傍【そば】