八はっ方ぽう

noun

all sides; every direction

Refers to all eight compass directions, i.e., every possible direction. Often used in set phrases like 八方塞がり (deadlock) or 八方美人 (someone who tries to please everyone).

• 敵てきに八はっ方ぽうを囲かこまれてしまった。

  We were surrounded on all sides by the enemy.

• 八はっ方ぽう手てを尽つくしたが、解かい決けつ策さくは見みつからなかった。

  I tried every possible approach, but couldn't find a solution.

noun

large hanging paper lantern

Historical abbreviation of 八方行灯 (はっぽうあんどん), a large paper lantern used in the Edo period. Rare standalone use; mainly encountered in historical contexts.

See also: 八方行灯

• 祭まつりの夜よる、通とおりには大おおきな八はっ方ぽう行あん灯どんが吊つるされていた。

  On the night of the festival, large hanging paper lanterns were suspended along the street.