Readings: ナン (Onyomi), みなみ (Kunyomi)
Meaning: south
南 means “south” and is used when talking about directions, locations, or places. You will find it in words like 南口 (south exit), 南風 (southern wind), and 東南アジア (Southeast Asia).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 十 (cross) + 冂 + 干 (dry) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ナン |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | みなみ |
How to Write – Stroke Order
This character is a combination of several components and refers to the direction south. It’s commonly seen on maps, station signs, and weather reports.
- Begin with the upper strokes and framing box
- Then draw the inner parts of 干 (dry)
Example Sentences
Japanese: 南の空が明るいです。
Kana: みなみのそらがあかるいです。
Romaji: Minami no sora ga akarui desu.
English: The southern sky is bright.
Japanese: 南口はあちらです。
Kana: みなみぐちはあちらです。
Romaji: Minamiguchi wa achira desu.
English: The south exit is that way.
Japanese: 南風が強いです。
Kana: みなみかぜがつよいです。
Romaji: Minamikaze ga tsuyoi desu.
English: The southern wind is strong.
Vocabulary Using 南
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 南 | みなみ | south |
| 南口 | みなみぐち | south exit |
| 南風 | みなみかぜ | southern wind |
| 東南アジア | とうなんアジア | Southeast Asia |
| 南国 | なんごく | southern country |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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