Japanese word

方向

Pronunciation

Romajihōkō

Meaning

  • nounway, direction

Example

この方向で合っていますか。ko no hō kō de a tte i ma su ka

Is this the right way?

Illustration for 方向 (way)

More examples

地図で方向を確かめます。chi zu de hō kō o tashi ka me ma su

I check the direction on the map.

矢印が進む方向を示しています。ya jirushi ga susu mu hō kō o shime shi te i ma su

The arrow shows which way to go.

Core concept

Marks the route or side toward which a person or thing is headed.

Common phrases

  • 方向を変えるhō kō o ka e ru

    change direction

  • 方向を示すhō kō o shime su

    indicate the direction

  • 方向を確認するhō kō o kaku nin su ru

    check the direction

Similar words

方角hōgaku: A direction described in relation to a place or landmark.
向きmuki: The side or orientation in which something faces or moves.
方位hōi: A direction identified by a compass or geographic reference.

Definition in Japanese

ある場所へ向かう道筋や、物事が向かう向き。a ru ba sho e mu ka u michi suji ya mono goto ga mu ka u mu ki

Word origin

方向 (hōkō) combines 方 (hō, "direction") and 向 (kō, "face toward"), forming the idea of facing in a direction.

Usage tips

  • 方向 (hōkō) often identifies the way to a destination, while English way can also mean a method, so context separates route from manner.

Related words

  • 方向性hōkōseiorientationnoun

Word lists with this word