南 — meaning in English: South

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

Guess the translation for south

エスケープ

esukēpu

世論調査

yoron chōsa

ラウンド

raundo

ツリー

tsurī

南

minami

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 南 (minami) when giving directions or describing locations, such as saying 'the store is to the south of the park.' It is also used in everyday conversations about travel, weather, and regional discussions, like citing the southern part of a city or country.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 南 is 方向 (houkou), which means 'direction.' However, 南 specifically refers to the south, while 方向 can apply to any direction. You would choose 南 when you need to be precise about the southern orientation.

Culture

The character 南 has a fascinating history, originating from ancient Chinese, where it denoted the direction south. In Japan, the southern regions, such as Kyushu, are known for their warmer climate and beautiful landscapes, making the concept of south not just a direction but a cultural reference to nature and lifestyle.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of 南 in Japanese?

The word 南 is pronounced as 'minami.' It is important to note that pronunciation can slightly vary depending on regional dialects.

Q.How do you write 南 in kanji?

南 is written in kanji as 南. It's essential to learn kanji characters to enhance your reading and writing skills in Japanese.

Q.Can 南 be used in compound words?

Yes, 南 can be part of compound words like 南国 (nangoku), meaning 'tropical country' or 'southern country.' Learning these combinations can enrich your vocabulary.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000