Meaning

Primary

North

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

きた
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn't learn that reading, so here's a mnemonic to help you with this word:

You're going to the far north where it's very cold (north pole, perhaps?). One of the most important things you bring with you is a survival kit (きた).

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 北にある

    to be located to the north

    北にむかう

    to head north

    北にすすむ

    to proceed north

Context Sentences

北はこっちですよ。

North is this way.

カナダは北アメリカです。

Canada is in North America.

パトカーが十台、北の方にいったよ。

Ten police cars headed north.

Kanji Composition