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JLPT N46画 · 6 strokesradical 西grade 2freq #402

west

On'yomi (音読み)

  • セイ
  • サイ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • にし

Mnemonic

Imagine a giant 'W' for west, where a wise owl perches, looking out over the western horizon at sunset.

About this kanji

The kanji 「西」 means "west" and is used primarily as a noun. In everyday Japanese, it often appears in phrases like 「西口」 (にしぐち), which means "west exit," helping people navigate transportation systems. Another common example is 「西洋」 (せいよう), referring to "the West," typically indicating Western countries or cultures. You might also come across 「西風」 (にしかぜ), meaning "west wind." This kanji is important for understanding directions and geographical references, so when learning, remember that it indicates a specific cardinal direction, making it a handy word for orientation in conversations.

Example sentences

  • 西の空が赤い。

    The western sky is red.

Meanings across languages

English
west
Tiếng Việt
Phía tây
日本語
西, にし
한국어
서쪽
中文
西
id
barat
th
ตะวันตก
es
oeste
fr
ouest
de
Westen
pt
oeste

Common compounds

  • 西口にしぐちwest exit
  • 西洋せいようthe West, Western countries
  • 西風にしかぜwest wind

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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