東
JLPT N5
East, eastern direction, sunrise
Readings
On’yomi: トウ (tō)
Kun’yomi: ひがし (higashi)
ひがし (higashi) – east
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
東
ひがし
east
東京
とうきょう
Tokyo
東口
ひがしぐち
east exit
東側
ひがしがわ
east side
東風
こち
east wind
Example Sentences
東の空が明るいです。
ひがしの そらが あかるいです。
The eastern sky is bright.
東京に住んでいます。
とうきょうに すんでいます。
I live in Tokyo.
東口で会います。
ひがしぐちで あいます。
I will meet at the east exit.
Cultural Note
東 (east) is culturally and historically significant in Japan:
1. Geographical importance:
o Japan is located in the east of Asia, hence the historical term 東洋 (Eastern world).
2. Place names:
o Tokyo (東京) literally means “Eastern Capital.”
o Other regions use 東 in names to indicate eastern location.
3. Symbolism:
o The sun rises in the east, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and hope.
o Often appears in poetry and literature as a metaphor for dawn and renewal.
4. Directional use:
o Used in navigation, maps, and weather reports (東の風 = east wind).
1. Geographical importance:
o Japan is located in the east of Asia, hence the historical term 東洋 (Eastern world).
2. Place names:
o Tokyo (東京) literally means “Eastern Capital.”
o Other regions use 東 in names to indicate eastern location.
3. Symbolism:
o The sun rises in the east, symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and hope.
o Often appears in poetry and literature as a metaphor for dawn and renewal.
4. Directional use:
o Used in navigation, maps, and weather reports (東の風 = east wind).