方 – Direction / Person (polite) / Way (Kata / Hou Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 方.
Kanji 方 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
方 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 方法 (houhou – method) and 地方 (chihou – region).
Used as a standalone word meaning direction or, politely, "person," such as あの方 (anokata – that person, polite) and 夕方 (yuugata – evening).
方 Stroke Order – How to Write 方
方 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top dot and short horizontal first, then the bending stroke that curves down and out to the left.
Common Words Using 方 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 方, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 方
See 方 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
あの方はどなたですか。
あのかたは どなたですか。
Ano kata wa donata desu ka.
Who is that person? (polite)
この問題の解決方法を教えてください。
この もんだいの かいけつほうほうを おしえてください。
Kono mondai no kaiketsu houhou o oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me how to solve this problem.
夕方に散歩に行きます。
ゆうがたに さんぽに いきます。
Yuugata ni sanpo ni ikimasu.
I go for a walk in the evening.
彼女の話し方はとても優しいです。
かのじょの はなしかたは とても やさしいです。
Kanojo no hanashikata wa totemo yasashii desu.
Her way of speaking is very gentle.
このケーキの作り方を知っていますか。
この けーきの つくりかたを しっていますか。
Kono keeki no tsukurikata o shitte imasu ka.
Do you know how to make this cake?
Frequently Asked Questions About 方
What does the Kanji 方 mean?
方 means direction, way, or method, and is also used as a polite word for "person," as in あの方 (anokata, that person, polite). It appears in everyday words such as 方法 (houhou, method) and 夕方 (yuugata, evening).
What is the Onyomi reading of 方?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 方 is ホウ (hou), as in 方法 (houhou, method) and 地方 (chihou, region).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 方?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 方 is かた (kata), meaning "direction" or, used politely, "person," as in あの方 (anokata, that person) and 話し方 (hanashikata, way of speaking).
What does あの方 (anokata) mean?
あの方 (anokata) means "that person" and is a polite, respectful way to refer to someone, more formal than あの人 (ano hito). It uses the kunyomi reading かた (kata) of 方 as an honorific substitute for 人 (person).
How many strokes does 方 have?
方 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 方 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 方 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for polite speech and everyday words about direction and method.
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