Japanese word

北海道

Pronunciation

Romajihokkaidō

Meaning

  • nounHokkaido

Example

夏に北海道へ行きます。natsu ni hok kai dō e i ki ma su

I am going to Hokkaido in summer.

Illustration for 北海道 (Hokkaido)

More examples

私は北海道で新鮮な魚を食べます。watashi wa hok kai dō de shin sen na sakana o ta be ma su

I eat fresh fish in Hokkaido.

Common phrases

  • 北海道へ行くhok kai dō e i ku

    go to Hokkaido

  • 北海道に住むhok kai dō ni su mu

    live in Hokkaido

  • 北海道出身hok kai dō shus shin

    from Hokkaido

Definition in Japanese

日本の最北部に位置し、北海道本島と周辺の島々からなる都道府県。nihon no sai hoku bu ni i chi shi hok kai dō hon tō to shū hen no shima jima ka ra na ru to dō fu ken

Word origin

北海道 (Hokkaidō) combines 北 (hoku, "north"), 海 (kai, "sea"), and 道 (dō, "way or region"), reflecting its historical name for Japan's northern region.

Usage tips

  • In English, Hokkaido can refer to both Japan's northernmost island and the prefecture that covers it, so context identifies the place meant.

Word lists with this word