Quick answer
北 is the kanji for "North". A common reading is きた (kita). You can practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
North
Also : The North · Northern direction
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Memory Aid
Two people standing back-to-back — when lost in the cold north, two travelers argue and turn their backs to each other, pointing opposite directions.
ほく (hoku) — Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan, ほく = north in that name.
Example Sentences
北海道の雪まつりに行って、雪の像を見ました。
ほっかいどうのゆきまつりにいって、ゆきのぞうをみました。
I went to the Hokkaido Snow Festival and saw snow sculptures.
北海道は寒いです。
ほっかいどうはさむいです。
Hokkaido is cold.
Vocabulary using 北
Learn 北 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.