Translation guide
The English word 'direction' covers several distinct concepts: physical orientation (north, left), a path of movement, instructions or guidance, and a trend or tendency. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each.
in the direction of the station
directions (instructions)
Referring to a point on the compass or a relative orientation.
General term for compass direction or bearing. Often used when asking or stating which way something is.
Which direction is the station?
Direction, orientation, or course. More common in compound words and technical contexts. Can also mean 'trend' (see meaning 4).
Direction something faces; orientation. Often used for the way a building or object is positioned.
The path or line along which someone or something moves.
The most common word for the direction of movement. Used with verbs like 行く (go), 進む (advance), 歩く (walk).
Information telling you how to do or use something.
Instructions, directions, orders. Used when someone tells you what to do.
The way something is developing or changing.
Direction, trend, course. Used for abstract developments like policy, research, or life.
方角 (ほうがく) is specifically for compass directions (north, south, etc.) or bearings. 方向 (ほうこう) is broader: it covers physical direction of movement, orientation, and abstract trends. 向き (むき) refers to the way something faces or is oriented, often used for buildings or objects.
When you mean 'instructions' or 'guidance', use 指示 (しじ) or 説明 (せつめい). Saying 方向 (ほうこう) for 'directions' in this sense would be unnatural.
You can see a mountain in the northern direction.
風の方向が変わった。
The wind direction changed.
This room faces south.
He walked in the direction of the station.
Which direction should I go?
A more casual, shorter way to say 'direction' when indicating a general area. Often used in spoken Japanese.
The station is this way.
Let's try going that way.
Can also be used for direction of movement, but sounds slightly more formal or precise, like 'bearing'.
The lost person headed in a northeastern direction.
先生の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the teacher's directions.
He gave me detailed directions.
Explanation, directions. Often used for instructions on how to use something or how to get somewhere.
Please read the directions for use.
Directions for a route; how to get somewhere. Specifically for navigation.
Please tell me the directions to the station.
Guidance, information, directions. Often used in the context of a guide or information desk.
I got a map at the tourist information center.
The company is moving in a new direction.
We need to change the direction of our research.
Tendency, trend. More statistical or observational.
As a recent trend, young people are gathering in cities.
Flow, current, trend. Suggests a natural or societal movement.
It's hard to go against the direction of the times.