North in Japanese
"north" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
北
kita
2 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "north". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
北 is north. The character shows two people back to back — north is the direction you turn your back on, because houses face south. 朔 is the north and also the new moon.
北View details →
Top pick
north
Reading: hoku
5 strokes
Where it comes from
Shape of two people back to back. Direction facing away from sun.
What it carries
North, cold, defeat. Represents winter and water in Five Elements.
Related kanji for "north"
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for north?
The most common kanji for "north" is 北, read as hoku. It means north. Related kanji: 朔 (north).
How many strokes does 北 have?
北 has 5 strokes.