Quick answer
東 is the kanji for "East". A common reading is ひがし (higashi). You can practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
East
Also : The East · Eastern direction
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Memory Aid
The sun (日) rising through a tree (木) — the sun climbs the branches of an eastern tree at dawn. The tree silhouette is perfectly bisected by the rising sun.
とう (tou) sounds like 'toe' — your toe points east when you face the sunrise.
Example Sentences
東口で待っています。
ひがしぐちでまっています。
I'm waiting at the east exit.
東京の電車は、毎朝とても混んでいます。
とうきょうのでんしゃは、まいあさとてもこんでいます。
The trains in Tokyo are extremely crowded every morning.
Vocabulary using 東
Learn 東 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.