How to Say "Direction" in Japanese

方向

hōkō[ho̞ːko̞ː]

The English phrase 'direction' is translated into Japanese as 方向 (hōkō).

方向 is used to refer to a physical or metaphorical direction or way.

Meaning: guidance, instruction (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word 方向 is composed of the characters 方 (hō), meaning 'direction' or 'way' and 向 (kō), meaning 'facing' or 'towards'.

hōkō

The character 方 is so versatile that it also functions as a polite way to refer to a person, such as あの方 for 'that person'.
In Japanese culture, the 'direction' of the wind and clouds is often linked to the concept of 気 or 'energy', influencing how people perceive the spiritual atmosphere of a place.
While 方向 refers to a path or way, if you want to ask for 'directions' to a shop, you would more likely use the word 道順 (michijun) or 行き方 (ikikata).

彼は方向音痴だ。
He has no sense of direction.
This sentence shows how to use 方向 to describe someone's lack of sense of direction.
Tatoeba #100046 by bunbuku, translation #303651 by CK
方向音痴なんだね。
You have no sense of direction.
This sentence uses 方向 to describe a lack of sense of direction.
Tatoeba #176897 by bunbuku, translation #8390 by CK
台風は西の方向に移動した。
The typhoon moved in a westerly direction.
This sentence shows how to use 方向 when describing the movement of a typhoon.
Tatoeba #137778 by bunbuku, translation #275458 by CK
すみません、お店までの道を教えていただけますか？
Excuse me, could you please tell me the direction to the store?
すみません、駅に行く道を教えていただけますか？
Excuse me, could you please tell me the direction to the station?
あの公園の方向、知ってる？
Do you know the direction to that park?
10 more sentences on Tatoeba

Yota is asking Yui for help with a task.

陽太 Yota

この作業の方向性を教えてください。
Kono sagyō no hōkōsei o oshiete kudasai.
Please give me some direction on this task.
結衣 Yui

いいですよ。まずここから始めましょう。
Ii desu yo. Mazu koko kara hajimemashō.
Sure. Let's start from here first.
陽太 Yota

方向がわからなくて困っていました。
Hōkō ga wakaranakute komatte imashita.
I was struggling because I didn't know the direction to take.
結衣 Yui

大丈夫です。一緒にやってみましょう。
Daijōbu desu. Issho ni yatte mimashō.
It's okay. Let's try it together.

Sources

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