Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

North

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Kanji Story

Imagine looking at a compass and seeing the direction of 'north' clearly marked. This kanji resembles an arrow pointing towards the top, indicating the way to the north.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '北' is a foundational character frequently encountered in JLPT materials, especially at the N5 and N4 levels. Its clear meaning and simple stroke structure make it a common feature in both kanji and reading comprehension sections of the exam.

Example Sentences

• 北に向かって歩いてください。

  Please walk towards the north.

  きたにむかってあるいてください。

  kita ni mukatte aruite kudasai.

  Pronunciation

• 北国は寒いです。

  The northern regions are cold.

  きたぐにはさむいです。

  kitaguni wa samui desu.

  Pronunciation

• 北海道は日本の北の端に位置しています。

  Hokkaido is located at the northern end of Japan.

  ほっかいどうはにほんのきたのはしにいちしています。

  hokkaidou wa nihon no kita no hashi ni ichi shiteimasu.

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• The kanji '北' represents the direction 'north', and it is commonly used in various contexts.
• Remember the reading 'きた' for everyday use, such as to indicate geographical directions.
• Practicing writing the kanji and its stroke order will help in reading comprehension sections of the JLPT.
• Pay attention to compound words using '北', as they can have different meanings based on the combination.

Usage in Japanese Names

• Names like '北村' (Kitamura) or '北原' (Kitahara) use the kanji '北'. It's a common kanji in surnames, often symbolizing the direction of north or representing someone from a northern region.