方向

• Reading: ほうこう
• Romaji: houkou
• Kanji breakdown: 方 (hou/kata) — direction, side, method; 向 (kou/mu) — face toward, turn
• Pronunciation: /hoː.koː/

Meaning

Direction; orientation; bearing. The course along which something moves or faces.

A noun used for both physical direction and figurative orientation. Common phrases include 方向音痴 (having no sense of direction), 反対方向 (opposite direction), and この方向で (in this direction/along these lines). Distinct from 方面 which refers more to a general area or zone.

Examples

1. 駅はどの方向ですか。 Which direction is the station?
2. 反対の方向に歩いてしまった。 I accidentally walked in the opposite direction.
3. あの方向から変な音が聞こえる。 I can hear a strange sound coming from that direction.

Usage Guide

Context: navigation, daily life, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 方 (direction, side) and 向 (face toward, turn). Together they express the idea of which way something faces or heads.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal