方針
A general course of action or a guiding principle adopted by an individual or organization to achieve a specific goal. In a business context, it refers to the official policy or direction that dictates how a company or project is managed.
Examples
3 of 5週末の予定を立てる方針だ。
It is my policy to make plans for the weekend.
我が社は顧客第一の方針を掲げています。
Our company upholds a customer-first policy.
これからの勉強、どういう方針でいく？
What kind of plan/approach are you going with for your studies from now on?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the kanji: 方 means 'direction' and 針 means 'needle' (like a compass needle). A 'houshin' is the needle that points you in the right direction.
Quick Quiz
来年の営業____を話し合います。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 方針
Examples
週末の予定を立てる方針だ。
everydayIt is my policy to make plans for the weekend.
我が社は顧客第一の方針を掲げています。
formalOur company upholds a customer-first policy.
これからの勉強、どういう方針でいく？
informalWhat kind of plan/approach are you going with for your studies from now on?
本研究の調査方針を説明する。
academicI will explain the research methodology/policy of this study.
新しいプロジェクトの基本方針を決定した。
businessWe have decided on the basic policy for the new project.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
方針転換
a change in policy/direction
方針を固める
to finalize a policy
方針に沿って
along the lines of the policy
Often Confused With
Keikaku refers to a concrete plan or schedule, while houshin refers to the general direction or principle guiding those plans.
Mokuhyou is the end goal or target, whereas houshin is the method or path chosen to reach that goal.
Usage Notes
It is most commonly used in official, professional, or academic settings to describe a strategic direction. While it can be used personally, it sounds more formal and serious than simply saying 'plan'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use this for very simple, step-by-step tasks. Use 'yotei' for schedules and 'keikaku' for specific plans; reserve 'houshin' for the 'philosophy' or 'direction' behind an action.
Memory Tip
Think of the kanji: 方 means 'direction' and 針 means 'needle' (like a compass needle). A 'houshin' is the needle that points you in the right direction.
Word Origin
Originally derived from the needle of a magnetic compass (方位磁石の針) used to navigate ships.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese corporate culture, the 'Keiei Houshin' (Management Policy) is often shared with all employees at the start of the year to ensure everyone is working toward the same organizational values.
Quick Quiz
来年の営業____を話し合います。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 方針
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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