西 – West (Sei / Sai / Nishi Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 西.
Kanji 西 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
西 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 西洋 (seiyō – Western countries) and 西暦 (seireki – Christian era).
Used to mean the direction west, as in 西へ向かいます (nishi e mukaimasu).
西 Stroke Order – How to Write 西
西 is written with 6 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the outer left vertical stroke, followed by the top horizontal line turning down-right, then the inside left vertical line, right vertical line, bottom horizontal connecting stroke, and finish with the central vertical line.
Common Words Using 西 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 西, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 西
See 西 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
太陽は西に沈みます。
たいようは にしに しずみます。
Taiyō wa nishi ni shizumimasu.
The sun sets in the west.
駅の西口で友達を待っています。
えきの にしぐちで ともだちを まっています。
Eki no nishiguchi de tomodachi o matte imasu.
I am waiting for my friend at the west exit of the station.
来月、関西へ旅行に行きます。
らいげつ、かんさいへ りょこうに いきます。
Raigetsu, Kansai e ryokō ni ikimasu.
Next month, I am going on a trip to the Kansai region.
そのビルは街の西側にあります。
そのびるは まちの にしがわりに あります。
Sono biru wa machi no nishigawa ni arimasu.
That building is located on the west side of the town.
彼は西洋の文化に興味があります。
かれは せいようの ぶんかに きょうみがあります。
Kare wa seiyō no bunka ni kyōmi ga arimasu.
He is interested in Western culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About 西
What does the Kanji 西 mean?
西 means "west." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 西 (nishi, west) and 西洋 (seiyou, western countries).
What is the Onyomi reading of 西?
The primary Onyomi readings of 西 are セイ (sei) and サイ (sai), as seen in compound words like 西洋 (seiyō) and 関西 (Kansai).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 西?
The main Kunyomi reading is にし (nishi) when referring to the direction west.
How many strokes does 西 have?
西 is written with 6 strokes.
Is 西 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 西 is an essential JLPT N5 directional kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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