南
minami[mʲina̠mʲi]
The English word "south" is translated into Japanese as 南 (minami). If unsure, use 南. Wiktionary also lists 南方 (nanpō).
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 南 | minami | [mʲina̠mʲi] (narrow) [mʲĩnːa̠mʲi] (narrow) |
| 南方 | nanpō | [nã̠mpo̞ː] (narrow) [mʲina̠mʲika̠ta̠] (narrow) |
南 is the standard noun for the compass point south. For describing movement, the phrase 南へ can be used to mean "towards the south".
Which one should you use?
While minami is the standard term for the compass point, nanpō is used in more formal, geographical or literary contexts to refer to the southern direction or southern regions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a prefix in compound words, the reading of 南 often changes from minami to nan (for example, in the word for south wind).
How do you pronounce it?
minami
When do people say it?
In Japan, having a home or room that is 南向き (south-facing) is considered highly desirable because it allows for plenty of sunlight.
Did you know?
- The word minami is a very common surname and given name in Japan, transforming a simple compass point into a personal identity.
- In traditional Japanese architecture, 南向き (south-facing) rooms are prized not just for light but for avoiding the cold winter winds that blow from the north and west.
- The character 南 is a shared way of writing 'south' in both Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, though the pronunciations differ.
Examples in context
- 南アフリカは遠い。South Africa is far away.This sentence uses 南 to refer to the name of a country.Tatoeba #640529 by arihato, translation #404626 by CM
- 私の家は南向きです。My house looks to the south.This sentence uses 南 to describe the direction a house faces.Tatoeba #164302 by small_snow, translation #250207 by CM
- この窓は南向きです。These windows look to the south.This sentence uses 南 to describe the direction windows face.Tatoeba #220708 by bunbuku, translation #58030 by Zifre
- 南に進んでくださいPlease proceed southwards.
- 南の方Southern direction
- 南側South side
- 南って言ってJust say "south".
- 南の方にあるIt's towards the south.
- 南側に住んでいるI live on the south side.
- 南風Southern wind
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at a map in a park.
- 結衣 Yui南はあちらの方向ですよ。Minami wa achira no hou desu yo.South is that direction over there.
- 蓮 Ren本当ですね、南に川が見えます。Hontou desu ne, minami ni kawa ga miemasu.You're right, I can see a river to the south.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは、南の方へ行きたいですか？Ren-san wa, minami no hou e ikitai desu ka?Ren, do you want to go towards the south?
- 蓮 Renはい、南の公園に行きましょう。Hai, minami no kouen ni ikimashou.Yes, let's go to the park in the south.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south” translations and entries 南, 南方, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 南, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
