方向
Refers to the physical way something is pointing or moving, as well as the abstract path or course of action taken. It is commonly used to describe spatial orientation or the general trend of a situation or project.
Examples
3 of 5駅の方向へ歩いてください。
Please walk in the direction of the station.
現在の方向で進めてもよろしいでしょうか。
May we proceed in the current direction?
あっちの方向だよ。
It's in that direction.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize the kanji: 方 means 'side' and 向 means 'facing.' Together they literally mean 'the side you are facing.'
Quick Quiz
風の___が変わりました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 方向
Examples
駅の方向へ歩いてください。
everydayPlease walk in the direction of the station.
現在の方向で進めてもよろしいでしょうか。
formalMay we proceed in the current direction?
あっちの方向だよ。
informalIt's in that direction.
研究の方向性が議論されました。
academicThe direction of the research was discussed.
来年度の経営の方向を決定しました。
businessWe have decided on the direction of management for the next fiscal year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
方向を見失う
to lose one's direction/way
方向転換
a change of course or shift in direction
逆の方向
the opposite direction
Often Confused With
方角 refers specifically to compass points like North or East, whereas 方向 is more general and can refer to any point in space or a metaphoric goal.
方針 refers to a policy or plan of action, while 方向 refers to the physical or conceptual path being followed.
Usage Notes
It is often followed by the particle 'へ' (he) or 'に' (ni) to indicate movement toward a direction. In business, it frequently appears as '方向性' (houkousei) to describe the 'directionality' or 'vibe' of a plan.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it interchangeably with '道' (michi - road/way), but '方向' refers to the orientation, not the physical street itself.
Memory Tip
Visualize the kanji: 方 means 'side' and 向 means 'facing.' Together they literally mean 'the side you are facing.'
Word Origin
A Sino-Japanese word (kango) combining 方 (side/square) and 向 (towards/facing).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Japanese street addresses are often based on districts and blocks rather than street names, making 'direction' (houkou) relative to landmarks very important for navigation.
Quick Quiz
風の___が変わりました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 方向
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
学期
A1A school term or semester that divides the academic year into specific periods of study. In Japan, the academic year is typically divided into three terms starting in April, September, and January.
期限
A1期限 refers to a time limit, deadline, or expiration date by which a specific action must be completed or a period ends. It is commonly used for business deadlines, document submissions, and the shelf life of food products.
刻
A1A specific moment in time or a point in time, often used to describe the ticking passage of time. Historically, it also refers to a specific unit of time (roughly two hours) in the traditional Japanese timekeeping system.
刹那
A1A Buddhist-derived term referring to an extremely short period of time, similar to an 'instant' or 'moment.' It often carries a poetic or philosophical nuance, suggesting that something is fleeting or transient.
永久
A1Refers to a state of lasting forever or being permanent without change. It is often used to describe time, systems, or physical states that are intended to remain indefinitely.
永遠
A1This word refers to a state of being eternal or lasting forever without an end. It is commonly used in emotional, philosophical, or romantic contexts to describe things that do not change over time.
暫時
A1A formal term referring to a short period of time or a brief moment. It is typically used in writing or polite speech to describe a temporary state or a short duration of an action.
久しぶり
A1A phrase used to express that a significant amount of time has passed since an event last occurred or since meeting someone. It is most commonly used as a greeting equivalent to 'Long time no see' in English.
晩期
A1晩期 refers to the final or late stage of a specific period, process, or condition. It is most commonly used in historical, archaeological, or medical contexts to describe the concluding phase of an era or the advanced stage of a disease.
初期
A1The first stage or beginning period of an event, process, or historical era. It is used to describe the initial phase of something that continues over time.
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