東 – East (Tō / Higashi Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 東.
Kanji 東 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
東 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 東京 (Tōkyō – Tokyo) and 関東 (Kantō – Kanto region).
Used to mean the direction east, as in 駅から東へ歩きます (eki kanji from east walk).
東 Stroke Order – How to Write 東
東 is written with 8 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the horizontal line first, followed by the central vertical line that crosses through, then the left diagonal hook, right dot, inside horizontal line, and enclose with the bottom horizontal stroke.
Common Words Using 東 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 東, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 東
See 東 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
太陽は東から昇ります。
たいようは ひがしから のぼります。
Taiyō wa higashi kara noborimasu.
The sun rises from the east.
私は来月東京に行きます。
わたしは らいげつ とうきょうに いきます。
Watashi wa raigetsu Tōkyō ni ikimasu.
I am going to Tokyo next month.
駅の東口で待ち合わせましょう。
えきの ひがしぐちで まちあわせましょう。
Eki no higashiguchi de machiawasemashō.
Let's meet at the east exit of the station.
この道路は東に向かっています。
このどうろは ひがしに むかっています。
Kono dōro wa higashi ni mukatte imasu.
This road is heading east.
彼は東洋の歴史を研究しています。
かれは とうようの れきしを けんきゅうしています。
Kare wa tōyō no rekishi o kenkyū shite imasu.
He is researching Eastern history.
Frequently Asked Questions About 東
What does the Kanji 東 mean?
東 means "east." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 東 (higashi, east) and 東京 (Tokyo).
What is the Onyomi reading of 東?
The primary Onyomi reading of 東 is トウ (tō), as seen in compound words like 東京 (Tōkyō) and 関東 (Kantō).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 東?
The main Kunyomi reading is ひがし (higashi) when referring to the direction east.
How many strokes does 東 have?
東 is written with 8 strokes.
Is 東 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 東 is an essential JLPT N5 directional kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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