Page 41 - Japanese Character Writing for Dummies

north We find this kanji in many family names, such as kitagawa

and
kitano. When you travel by train, you will notice that the
HOKU/kita larger stations have more than one exit or entrance; the north
exit or entrance is called kitaguchi. You can also find this

kanji in the name of a region of Japan called Tōhoku. The
Tōhoku region comprises the northern part of the largest island,
named Honshu. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes in
autumn, when the leaves of the trees change color.
Radical: ⼔ Number of strokes: five

west This kanji refers to the west, and to all that is to the west. It appears

in a common phrase,
nishi mo higashi mo
SAI, SEI/nishi wakaranai (someone who has no idea about something or about
directions). Just like kita (north), you may see nishiguchi
(west exit or entrance) at a train station. 西 sei also means “west-

ern” or “European.” For example, seiyō can mean both
Europe and America.

Radical: 西 Number of strokes: six

CHAPTER 3 105 Characters 35