Meaning

Primary

North Wind

Word Type

noun

Explanation

From the north comes a wind. Naturally, it's the north wind.

北風 blows down from the north, and in Japan is often associated with the colder temperatures it brings.

Reading

きたかぜ
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word uses the kun'yomi readings for both kanji. Almost like it's two independent vocab words, and , mashed together. You've learned these readings, but the かぜ reading is still pretty new, so here's a mnemonic just in case:

Imagine the north wind blowing a kamikaze (かぜ) off course. The kamikaze pilot tries to complete his mission, but he can't overcome the wind blowing down from the north. Hear the kamikaze crying out, "Curse you, north wind!" In a way though, it kind of saves his life.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 北風がふく

    the north wind blows

    北風が入る

    the north wind enters

    北風がふきつける

    the north wind blows against

    北風が当たる

    the north wind hits

    北風が強まる

    the north wind grows stronger

Context Sentences

つめたい北風がふいています。

A cold north wind is blowing.

その日は、北風がふくさむい日でした。

It was a cold day with a northerly wind blowing.

北風の中を、子犬たちは元気に走りまわっていました。

The puppies were running around in the north wind with great energy.

これからデートなのに、北風が強すぎて、ウィッグがライオンみたいになってしまった。

I have a date coming up, but the north wind is so strong that my wig looks like a lion.

Kanji Composition