Translation guide
The cardinal direction north. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the word 北 (きた). However, usage varies depending on whether you are talking about a direction, a location, or part of a name.
北
north
Expressing the direction north, as in 'go north' or 'facing north'.
The standard word for the direction north. Used in most contexts.
北に向かってください。
Please go north.
この部屋は北向きです。
This room faces north.
Means 'northern direction' or 'the north'. More formal and often used in written or official contexts.
北方に進軍した。
They advanced northward.
Referring to a place or area that is in the northern part of a region.
Means 'northern part' or 'north area'. Used for regions, countries, etc.
北海道は日本の北部にあります。
Hokkaido is in the northern part of Japan.
Can also mean 'the north' as a location, often with に or の.
北の国から
From the North Country
Means 'north side'. Used for buildings, streets, etc.
Using 'north' in proper nouns like North America, North Korea, etc.
Referring to north as a compass point, often in navigation or maps.
北 is the general direction or a vague northern area. 北部 specifically refers to the northern part of a defined region (e.g., a country, city). Use 北部 when you need to be precise about a section.
The four cardinal directions are 北 (きた, north), 東 (ひがし, east), 南 (みなみ, south), 西 (にし, west). They are often combined, e.g., 北東 (ほくとう, northeast).
駅の北側にあります。
It's on the north side of the station.
True north and magnetic north are different.