方(ほう)

方(ほう) is a highly versatile word with two main uses: indicating direction and making comparisons.

Direction

Indicates a general direction or area. Often used with の and a location:

• 北(きた)の方(ほう): toward the north
• 海(うみ)の方(ほう)へ: toward the sea
• 窓(まど)の方(ほう)から: from the direction of the window

Similar words

The pattern Aの方(ほう)がBより～ means "A is more ~ than B." This is one of the most essential comparison structures in Japanese:

• Aの方(ほう)が好(す)き: I prefer A
• こちらの方(ほう)がいい: this one is better
• 電車(でんしゃ)の方(ほう)が早(はや)い: the train is faster

Other reading

方(かた) means "person" (polite) or "way of doing" — a separate word with different usage.