Translation and Meaning of: 方向 - houkou
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 方向 (houkou) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: houkou
Kana: ほうこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: direction; course; path
Meaning in English: direction;course;way
Definition: A direction towards a specific purpose or goal.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (方向) houkou
Etymology and Composition of the Word "方向"
The Japanese word 「方向」 (houkou) is composed of two kanji: 「方」 and 「向」. The kanji 「方」 (hou) means "direction," "side," or "way," while 「向」 (kou) denotes "toward," "to turn to," or "to face." Together, these kanji form the word 「方向」, which translates to "direction" or "orientation." In the Japanese language, the combination of these characters is used to describe not only physical directions but also abstract orientations and goals.
Definition and Use of 「方向」
The expression 「方向」 is widely used to indicate physical direction, such as north, south, east, and west. Moreover, the word is used in more abstract contexts to refer to objectives or purposes one wishes to achieve. For example, in discussions about career planning or personal development, 「方向」 can be used to express the direction or trajectory one wants to follow. This demonstrates the versatility of the word in different aspects of life and its importance in daily communication.
Origin and Cultural Context
Historically, orientation and direction have been essential concepts in Japanese society, especially in a culture that values harmony and balance. The use of 「方向」dates back to the need to understand and clarify paths, whether in travel, architecture, or personal life. It was essential in ancient times for navigation and played a fundamental role in Japanese feng shui (fūsui), where correct orientation was crucial for balancing energies in built environments.
In modern daily life, 「方向」 maintains its relevance through various applications. From GPS navigation apps to business contexts for goal setting and strategies, the word continues to be a vital part of how the Japanese perceive and interact with the world around them, reflecting a continuous connection between the past and the present.
Synonyms and similar words
- 方角 (hōgaku) - Direction or cardinal point.
- 方位 (hōi) - Position or orientation; generally used in geographical contexts.
- 方向性 (hōkōsei) - Nature or characteristic of direction; orientation in a specific context.
- 指向 (shikō) - Going towards; direction.
- 指示 (shiji) - Indication or signaling; the act of showing something.
- 指導 (shidō) - Guidance or supervision; the act of guiding.
- 指令 (shirei) - Instruction or command; direct and specific.
- 指向性 (shikōsei) - Direction of intention or focus; characteristic of being directed.
- 指針 (shishin) - Guideline or principle; guidance in decision-making.
- 誘導 (yūdō) - Guidance or leading; the act of taking someone in a direction.
- 誘引 (yuuin) - Attraction or persuasion; bringing interest to a point.
- 誘導性 (yūdōsei) - Quality of guiding or leading; persuasive nature.
- 誘導力 (yūdōryoku) - Ability to guide; driving force.
- 指し示す (sashi shimesu) - Act of indicating or showing something directly.
- 指し示し (sashi shimeshi) - Way of indication; the act or state of showing.
- 指し示すこと (sashi shimesu koto) - The act of indicating; the action of showing something.
- 指し示し方 (sashi shimeshi kata) - Way of indication; method of showing.
- 指し示し方向 (sashi shimeshi hōkō) - Direction of indication; the direction to show something.
- 指し示し方法 (sashi shimeshi hōhō) - Method of indicating; technique of showing something.
- 指し示し手段 (sashi shimeshi shudan) - Ways to indicate; resources used to show.
- 指し示し能力 (sashi shimeshi nōryoku) - Ability to indicate; competence in showing.
- 指し示し能力者 (sashi shimeshi nōryokusha) - A skilled person in indicating; someone with the competence to show.
- 指し示し能力を持つ (sashi shimeshi nōryoku o motsu) - To have the ability to indicate; to possess competence in showing.
- 指し示し能力を発揮する (sashi shimeshi nōryoku o hakki suru) - Demonstrate the ability to indicate; reveal competence in showing.
- 指し示し能力を高める (sashi shimeshi nōryoku o takameru) - Increase the ability to indicate; enhance the competence in showing.
- 指し示し能力を伸ばす (sashi shimeshi nōryoku o nobasu) - Expand the ability to indicate; develop the competence to show.
Words related
How to Write in Japanese - (方向) houkou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (方向) houkou:
Example Sentences - (方向) houkou
Below are some example sentences:
Jinsei wa yokisenu houkou ni tenjiru koto ga aru
Life can change direction unexpectedly.
Life can turn in an unexpected direction.
- 人生 - Life
- は - Topic particle
- 予期せぬ - Inesperado
- 方向 - Direction
- に - target particle
- 転じる - To change
- こと - Abstract noun
- が - Subject particle
- ある - Exist
Watashi wa mada jibun no jinsei no hōkōsei o mosaku shite imasu
I'm still looking for the direction of my life.
I'm still looking for the direction of my life.
- 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
- は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- まだ (mada) - adverb meaning "yet"
- 自分 (jibun) - reflexive pronoun meaning "myself"
- の (no) - possessive particle indicating a relationship of ownership
- 人生 (jinsei) - noun meaning "life"
- の (no) - connecting particle linking "life" with "方向性"
- 方向性 (hōkōsei) - noun meaning "direction" or "orientation"
- を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 模索しています (mosaku shiteimasu) - compound verb meaning "to search" or "to explore"
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
