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北
On'yomi
ホク
HOKU
Kun'yomi
きた
kita
north
Details
Strokes5
Frequency#153
Radical匕spoon(2)
Stroke Order
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Strokes5
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of two people back to back. Direction facing away from sun.
Symbolism
North, cold, defeat. Represents winter and water in Five Elements.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
東西南北
とうざいなんぼく
east, west, south and north; east, west, south and north
南征北伐
なんせいほくばつ
attacking in all directions; attacking in all directions
南船北馬
なんせんほくば
constant travelling; constant traveling; being on the move; constant travelling
北斗七星
ほくとしちせい
the Big Dipper (asterism); the Plough; the Plow; the Big Dipper (asterism)
泰山北斗
たいざんほくと
great authority; eminent person; luminary; great authority
Proverbs & Idioms
北風と太陽
きたかぜとたいよう
The north wind and the sun
Gentleness is more effective than force