西
Nishi refers to the cardinal direction 'west'. It is used to describe the location of places, directions on a map, or the path of celestial bodies like the sun setting.
Examples
3 of 5私の家は駅の西にあります。
My house is to the west of the station.
西の方角から強い風が吹いています。
A strong wind is blowing from the western direction.
西の方は雨かな?
I wonder if it's raining out west?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The kanji 西 looks like a bird sitting in a 'nest' (sounds like 'nishi') as the sun sets in the West.
Quick Quiz
太陽は___に沈みます。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 西
Examples
私の家は駅の西にあります。
everydayMy house is to the west of the station.
西の方角から強い風が吹いています。
formalA strong wind is blowing from the western direction.
西の方は雨かな?
informalI wonder if it's raining out west?
太陽は西に沈みます。
academicThe sun sets in the west.
西支店への転勤が決まりました。
businessA transfer to the West Branch has been decided.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
西も東もわからない
to not know which way is up (literally: not knowing west or east)
太陽が西から昇る
when pigs fly (literally: the sun rises in the west)
西から東へ
from west to east
Often Confused With
Learners confuse the shape of 'four' (四) with 'west' (西) because both are boxy kanji taught early on.
This is the zodiac sign for 'Rooster'; it looks almost identical to 'west' but has an extra horizontal line inside.
Usage Notes
When used alone, it is pronounced 'nishi'. In compound words like 'Kansai', it often changes its reading to 'sai' or 'zai'.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often mix up 'nishi' (west) and 'higashi' (east). It helps to learn them as a pair or associate them with local landmarks.
Memory Tip
The kanji 西 looks like a bird sitting in a 'nest' (sounds like 'nishi') as the sun sets in the West.
Word Origin
Originally a pictograph of a bird's nest; birds return to their nests at sunset, which happens in the west.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japan, the 'West' often specifically refers to the Kansai region, which has a distinct culture and dialect compared to the 'East' (Kanto/Tokyo).
Quick Quiz
太陽は___に沈みます。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 西
Related Vocabulary
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