北半球

• Reading: きたはんきゅう
• Romaji: kita hankyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 北 (kita/hoku) — north; 半 (han) — half; 球 (kyuu) — sphere, ball
• Pronunciation: /ki.ta.ha.ɴ.kʲɯː/

Meaning

Northern hemisphere; the half of the Earth north of the equator.

A geographical term referring to the portion of the Earth above the equator. Japan, most of Europe, North America, and much of Asia are located in the 北半球. The opposite is 南半球 (southern hemisphere). Common in geography, science, and weather discussions.

Examples

1. 日本は北半球に位置している。 Japan is located in the northern hemisphere.
2. 北半球では六月が夏の始まりだ。 In the northern hemisphere, June marks the start of summer.
3. 北半球と南半球では季節が逆になる。 The seasons are reversed between the northern and southern hemispheres.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, science, weather

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 北 (north) + 半球 (hemisphere, literally 'half sphere'). A straightforward descriptive term from geographical science.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal