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方

方 — direction, person, alternative

Learn the correct stroke order for 方 (direction), a 4-stroke kanji.

JLPT N4Grade 24 strokes

Stroke Order

1234
Stroke 0 / 4
On'yomi (音読み)ホウhou
Kun'yomi (訓読み)かたkata、-かたkata、-がたgata
Strokes4
Radical方
Frequency#46
Meaningsdirection, person, alternative

Step-by-Step Diagram

1
2
3
4

Try Writing It

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

Draw stroke 1 of 4 — start from the green dot

Common Words

一方いっぽうone (esp. of two); the other; one waynoun
右方うほうright sidenoun
遠方えんぽうdistant place; faraway location; far awaynoun
下方かほうlower region; lower part; region belownoun
何方どなたwhopronoun
貴方あなたyoupronoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 方 (direction) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N4 level. It has 4 strokes with radical 方.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 方 is #46, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

一方いっぽう — one (esp. of two); the other; one way
右方うほう — right side
遠方えんぽう — distant place; faraway location; far away

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (方)

施give旅trip族tribe旋rotation旗flag

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 方 have?

The kanji 方 (direction) has 4 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 方?

方 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 方 mean?

方 means: direction, person, alternative. On'yomi readings: ホウ. Kun'yomi readings: かた, -かた, -がた.

What JLPT level is 方?

方 is a JLPT N4 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.