方針

• Reading: ほうしん
• Romaji: houshin
• Kanji breakdown: 方 (hou) — direction, method; 針 (shin) — needle
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɯ.ɕi.n/

Meaning

Policy; course of action; plan; guiding principle.

A noun used to describe a decided direction or plan of action, especially in organizational or governmental contexts. Often paired with を決める (to set a policy) or に従う (to follow a policy). Common in news and business discussions.

Examples

1. 政府は新しい方針を発表した。 The government announced a new policy.
2. 会社の方針に従って行動してください。 Please act in accordance with the company's policy.
3. 教育方針について両親で話し合った。 We discussed our educational policy as parents.

Usage Guide

Context: government, business, education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 方 (direction, method) and 針 (needle). The metaphor of a compass needle pointing in a direction conveys the idea of a guiding course or policy.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal