Translation guide
The cardinal direction east. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 東 (ひがし). It can also appear in compound words, formal names, and set phrases.
東
east (direction)
Referring to the direction east in general, such as in navigation, geography, or giving directions.
The standard word for 'east'. Used in everyday speech and writing.
太陽は東から昇ります。
The sun rises in the east.
駅の東口で待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet at the east exit of the station.
A slightly more formal or literary term for 'east' or 'eastern direction'. Often used in written contexts or formal names.
東方に広がる海
the sea stretching to the east
Means 'east side' or 'eastern side'. Used when referring to a specific side of something.
建物の東側に駐車場があります。
There is a parking lot on the east side of the building.
Referring to the eastern part of a country, city, or region, or to the East as a cultural/geographical area.
Means 'eastern part' or 'eastern region'. Commonly used for regions within a country.
彼はアメリカの東部出身です。
He is from the eastern part of the United States.
Can also refer to the eastern area, especially in proper nouns like 東日本 (Eastern Japan) or 東アジア (East Asia).
Refers to 'the East' or 'the Orient', often in a historical or cultural context. Less common in modern everyday speech.
Specifically referring to a wind blowing from the east.
Literally 'east wind'. The reading こち is more poetic or traditional. Used in weather forecasts or literature.
明日は東風が強いでしょう。
The east wind will be strong tomorrow.
東 is often combined with other characters to form words like 東京 (Tokyo, literally 'Eastern Capital'), 関東 (Kanto region), or 東口 (east exit). The reading may change to とう in many compounds.
東 (ひがし) is the most general. 東方 (とうほう) is more formal/literary and often used for directions. 東部 (とうぶ) specifically means 'eastern part' of a region.
Eastern Japan is rainy today.
東洋の文化に興味があります。
I am interested in Eastern culture.