北

北 — north

Learn the correct stroke order for 北 (north), a 5-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 25 strokes

Stroke Order

Stroke 0 / 5

On'yomi (音読み)ホクhoku

Kun'yomi (訓読み)きたkita

Strokes5

Radical匕

Frequency#153

Meaningsnorth

Step-by-Step Diagram

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 5 — start from the green dot

Common Words

東北とうほくnorth-eastnoun

南北なんぼくnorth and south; north to southnoun

敗北はいぼくdefeat; loss; reversenoun

北緯ほくいnorth latitudenoun

北欧ほくおうNorthern Europe; Nordic countries; Scandinavianoun

北海ほっかいnorthern seanoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 北 (north) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 5 strokes with radical 匕.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 北 is #153, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

東北とうほく — north-east

南北なんぼく — north and south; north to south

敗北はいぼく — defeat; loss; reverse

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (匕)

化change

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 北 have?

The kanji 北 (north) has 5 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 北?

北 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 北 mean?

北 means: north. On'yomi readings: ホク. Kun'yomi readings: きた.

What JLPT level is 北?

北 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.