north

JLPT N1 5 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily means "north" and is used to indicate direction or location. It is commonly found in place names (e.g., 北京 Beijing) and in everyday directions.

Common Collocations

  • 北方 (běifāng): northern region
  • (běifēng): north wind
  • (wǎng běi): go north

Usage Notes

is a straightforward directional word and is often used in both formal and informal contexts. When giving directions, usually appears with verbs like (walk/go) or (towards). It can also describe weather phenomena like (north wind).

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (nán, south), (dōng, east), or 西 (xī, west). Each character specifies a different cardinal direction and is used similarly in phrases and place names.

Example Sentences

Beijing is the capital of China, located in the north of China.

Please go north, the station is just ahead.

The north wind is strong, you should dress warmly when going out.