Translation guide
The direction or region between north and west. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the compound word 北西 (hokusei). For giving directions, describing locations, or talking about weather patterns, 北西 is the standard term. The older, more literary term 西北 (seihoku) also exists but is less common in everyday speech.
Referring to the direction or compass point between north and west.
Standard modern Japanese word for 'northwest'. Used in weather forecasts, maps, and everyday conversation.
風は北西から吹いている。
The wind is blowing from the northwest.
この部屋は北西向きです。
This room faces northwest.
Older or more literary term for 'northwest'. Still understood but less common in daily speech. Sometimes used in proper names or classical contexts.
その寺は町の西北にある。
The temple is in the northwest of the town.
Explicit phrase meaning 'the direction of northwest'. Useful for clarity in instructions.
北西の方角に進んでください。
Please proceed in the direction of northwest.
Referring to a region or area located in the northwest part of a larger area.
Means 'northwest part' or 'northwestern region'. Commonly used for geographical areas, such as 'the northwest of England'.
イングランドの北西部は雨が多い。
The northwest of England gets a lot of rain.
その公園は市の北西部にあります。
The park is in the northwest part of the city.
More formal term for 'northwest region'. Often used in news reports or official documents.
北西地域では大雪の恐れがあります。
There is a risk of heavy snow in the northwest region.
Describing wind or weather coming from the northwest.
Standard phrase for 'northwest wind'. Very common in weather forecasts.
明日は北西の風が強まるでしょう。
Tomorrow, the northwest wind will strengthen.
Emphasizes the wind is 'from the northwest'. Slightly more explicit.
北西からの風が冷たい。
The wind from the northwest is cold.
Both mean 'northwest', but 北西 is the standard modern term used in daily life, weather reports, and maps. 西北 is older and more literary; you might encounter it in classical literature or some place names, but it sounds archaic in conversation.
Japanese combines the characters for north (北) and west (西) to form northwest (北西). The order is always north-south-east-west (e.g., 北東 northeast, 南西 southwest, 南東 southeast). This is the opposite of English 'northwest' but consistent with the Chinese-derived system.