南 – South (Nan / Na / Minami Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 南.
Kanji 南 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
南 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 南米 (nanbei – South America) and 南極 (nankyoku – South Pole).
Used to mean the direction south, as in 南へ歩きます (minami e arukimasu).
南 Stroke Order – How to Write 南
南 is written with 9 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top-left horizontal and vertical box frame first, followed by the internal cross shape, then the right vertical enclosing stroke, and finish with the bottom closing horizontal line.
Common Words Using 南 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 南, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 南
See 南 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
わたしの部屋は南向きです。
わたしの へやは みなみむきです。
Watashi no heya wa minamimuki desu.
My room faces south.
駅の南口で会いましょう。
えきの みなみぐちで あいましょう。
Eki no minamiguchi de aimashō.
Let us meet at the south exit of the station.
彼は南米を旅しています。
かれは なんべいを たびしています。
Kare wa nanbei o tabishite imasu.
He is traveling in South America.
鳥たちは冬に南へ飛びます。
とりたちは ふゆに みなみへ とびます。
Toritachi wa fuyu ni minami e tobimasu.
Birds fly south in the winter.
日本は東南アジアに近いです。
にほんは とうなんあじあに ちかいです。
Nihon wa tōnan ajia ni chikai desu.
Japan is close to Southeast Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions About 南
What does the Kanji 南 mean?
南 means "south." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 南 (minami, south) and 南口 (minamiguchi, south exit).
What is the Onyomi reading of 南?
The primary Onyomi reading of 南 is ナン (nan), as seen in compound words like 南米 (nanbei, South America) and 南極 (nankyoku, South Pole).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 南?
The main Kunyomi reading is みなみ (minami) when referring to the direction south.
How many strokes does 南 have?
南 is written with 9 strokes.
Is 南 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 南 is an essential JLPT N5 directional kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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