Japanese Kanji

hou

direction · person · alternative

Grade 2 · JLPT N3 · 4 strokes

Readings

  • ONホウhou
  • KUNかたkata
  • KUN-かた-kata
  • KUN-がた-gata

Meaning

Direction, person, alternative.

Stroke order for 方

方 is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school — one of the earliest kanji children learn. In the JLPT proficiency test it appears at N3 (intermediate) level. With 4 strokes, this character appears in numerous compound words throughout written Japanese.

Learn to read Japanese

Hiragana and katakana are the keys to reading Japanese. Our free trainers get them locked in fast.