This is the 242nd most frequent Japanese word.
こちら
"This way," "here," or "this person (polite)."
'こちら' is used as a demonstrative pronoun referring to someone close to the speaker being introduced.
こちらは私の友人です。
This is my friend.
'こちら' is used as a demonstrative local noun indicating a location near the speaker.
会議の資料はこちらに置いてください。
Please place the meeting materials here.
'こちら' is used politely to refer to one's own side or perspective in a discussion.