方

Direction, Way

Level 30

How this kanji evolved

Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.

The character 方 originated as a pictogram depicting two boats connected by a pole, representing the concept of 'side by side' or 'parallel.' Over time, it evolved to mean 'direction,' 'square,' 'method,' or 'side.' In oracle bone script, it resembled a man wearing a cangue, but later forms simplified into the modern square shape. The character embodies the idea of orientation and spatial relationships, reflecting ancient Chinese understanding of geometry and positioning in the cosmos. Arrived in Japan: The character 方 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange with Korea. It was formally adopted into the Japanese writing system during the Asuka period when Chinese characters became systematically used for writing Japanese.

Reading reference

Onyomi (音読み)

ホウ

Kunyomi (訓読み)

かた

Related Vocabulary

viewpoint, point of view, way of looking (at something), view, angle, way of appreciating (e.g. opera), way of understanding, how to read (a map, train timetable, etc.)

way of saying (something), way of putting it, wording, phrasing, language, expression

way of thinking, point of view, opinion, approach (e.g. to a problem), attitude

style of building, construction, workmanship, way of making, recipe, how to grow (something)

way, method, means, resource, course

仕方がない

there's no (other) way, cannot be helped, unavoidable, inevitable, (there's) nothing one can do, having no choice, it's no use (doing), pointless, useless, no good, insufficient, not enough

way of using (something), way to use, how to use, usage, use, way of handling (employees, subordinates, etc.), way of treating, treatment, management

way of writing, manner of writing, penmanship (esp. used in old textbooks), calligraphy, format (e.g. of a report), stroke order of a character

eastern direction, the Orient, eastern fighter in a match (e.g. sumo wrestling)

pronunciation, reading (e.g. of a kanji), way of reading (out loud), interpretation (e.g. of a text), reading