Translation guide
The English word "orientation" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for Japanese learners.
Expressing the direction something faces, its position relative to surroundings, or how it is aligned.
General word for direction, orientation, or facing. Often used in compounds.
この部屋は南向きです。
This room faces south.
The wind direction changed.
Direction, course, or orientation in a more abstract or navigational sense.
I lost my sense of direction.
Are we heading in the right direction?
Compass direction; cardinal point. More specific than 方向.
Please check the compass direction.
Referring to a person's sexual identity or preference.
A program or session to familiarize someone with a new environment, job, or school.
Direct loanword, widely understood for orientation programs.
The freshman orientation is next week.
Information session or briefing. Often used for company or school orientations.
Guidance or orientation session, especially in academic settings.
A person's basic beliefs, political leanings, or worldview.
Inclination, orientation, or tendency. Often used in compounds.
He has a left-wing orientation.
Orientation or direction of interest. Similar to 志向 but more about aim or focus.
Standpoint or position. More general, but can convey ideological orientation.
Whether something is in portrait or landscape mode, or its rotational alignment.
Both are read しこう, but 志向 is about personal inclination or aspiration, while 指向 is about directional focus or aim. For sexual orientation, use 性的指向, not 性的志向.
オリエンテーション is common for orientation programs, but in formal business settings, 説明会 or 研修 may be preferred.
It's hard to talk about my sexuality.
I attended the company orientation.
履修ガイダンスがあります。
There is a course registration orientation.
Peace-oriented policy.
His political orientation is unclear.
横向きで写真を撮る。
Take a photo in landscape orientation.