方(ほう)

ほう

noun

direction, way; (comparison)

1. direction, side, way

Indicates a direction, area, or method.

駅(えき)は北(きた)の方(ほう)にあります。

The station is in the north direction.

Indicating direction

海(うみ)の方(ほう)へ歩(ある)いた。

I walked toward the sea.

音(おと)は窓(まど)の方(ほう)から聞(き)こえてきた。

The sound came from the direction of the window.

2. (in comparisons) the ... one

Used to compare two things, indicating preference or degree.

お茶(ちゃ)の方(ほう)が好(す)きです。

I prefer tea. (Tea is the one I like more.)

Comparison usage

こちらの方(ほう)が安(やす)いです。

This one is cheaper.

Comparison usage

歩(ある)くより電車(でんしゃ)の方(ほう)が早(はや)いですよ。

The train is faster than walking.

方 (ほう) is used for: 1) Direction or area (北の方 - toward the north), 2) Comparisons (Aの方がBより～ - A is more ~ than B). The comparison pattern is very common: 「Aの方が好き」 (I prefer A), 「こちらの方がいい」 (this one is better).

Note: 方 can also be read かた meaning 'person' (polite) or 'way of doing.'

general

Added 2026.1.7 21:43 · Revised 2026.3.5 22:53

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