北 – North (Hoku / Kita Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 北.
Kanji 北 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
北 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 北海道 (Hokkaidou – Hokkaido) and 東北 (touhoku – northeast, the Tohoku region).
Used as a standalone word meaning north, such as 北風 (kitakaze – north wind) and 北口 (kitaguchi – north exit).
北 Stroke Order – How to Write 北
北 is written with 5 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the left vertical stroke, then the left diagonal, then the right vertical stroke, finishing with the right diagonal hook.
Common Words Using 北 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 北, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 北
See 北 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
北海道はとても寒いです。
ほっかいどうは とても さむいです。
Hokkaidou wa totemo samui desu.
Hokkaido is very cold.
駅の北口で待っています。
えきの きたぐちで まっています。
Eki no kitaguchi de matte imasu.
I am waiting at the north exit of the station.
冬は北風が強いです。
ふゆは きたかぜが つよいです。
Fuyu wa kitakaze ga tsuyoi desu.
The north wind is strong in winter.
この部屋は北向きです。
この へやは きたむきです。
Kono heya wa kitamuki desu.
This room faces north.
彼は北米に住んでいます。
かれは ほくべいに すんでいます。
Kare wa hokubei ni sunde imasu.
He lives in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions About 北
What does the Kanji 北 mean?
北 means north. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji used for directions, as in 北海道 (Hokkaidou, Hokkaido) and 北風 (kitakaze, north wind).
What is the Onyomi reading of 北?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 北 is ホク (hoku), as in 北海道 (Hokkaidou, Hokkaido) and 東北 (touhoku, northeast/the Tohoku region).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 北?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 北 is きた (kita), meaning "north," as in 北風 (kitakaze, north wind) and 北口 (kitaguchi, north exit).
How many strokes does 北 have?
北 is written with 5 strokes.
Is 北 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 北 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for giving and understanding directions in Japanese.
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