方向 — meaning in English: direction

hōkō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for direction

賞

shō

方向

hōkō

電気

denki

朝食

chōshoku

女王

joō

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 方向 (hōkō) when giving or asking for directions, such as in a city or rural setting. It's commonly heard in situations like checking a map, navigating public transport, or discussing travel plans with friends.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 進行方向 (shinkōhōkō), which specifically refers to the 'direction of progress' or 'forward direction.' You would choose 方向 (hōkō) for general usage, while 進行方向 is more suitable for specific contexts like travel or movement.

Culture

The kanji for 方向 (hōkō) consists of '方' meaning 'direction' and '向' meaning 'to face or turn towards.' Interestingly, the concept of direction is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, where precision in orientation is often associated with respect and good manners, especially in traditional tea ceremonies and martial arts.

FAQ

Q.What does 方向 (hōkō) mean in English?

方向 (hōkō) translates to 'direction' in English, referring to the path or course one follows.

Q.How is 方向 used in sentences?

You can use 方向 in sentences like '右の方向に行ってください' (Migi no hōkō ni itte kudasai), which means 'Please go in the right direction.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 方向?

One common mistake is confusing 方向 (hōkō) with 目的地 (mokutekichi), which means 'destination.' Remember that 方向 refers to the path, while 目的地 is about where you're headed.

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