南北
Meanings
1
north and south; north to south
Refers to the two directions or the axis between them. Often used in geographical, political, or descriptive contexts.
Japan is a country that stretches north to south.
We discussed the North-South problem.
2
South and North Korea
abbreviation
Abbreviation for 南朝鮮 and 北朝鮮, used in contexts referring to the two Koreas. Common in news and political discussions.
An inter-Korean summit was held.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉が南北に走る(a road, mountain range, etc.) runs from north to south
This mountain range runs north to south.
- 南北統一reunification of North and South Korea
The road to reunification of North and South Korea is not easy.
- 南北に長いelongated in the north-south direction
Japan is a country that is long from north to south.
- 南北首脳会談summit meeting between North and South Korea
A North-South summit was held for the first time in a while.
- 南北問題the North-South problem (economic disparity between wealthy and developing nations)
The North-South problem has still not been resolved.