方 針(ほうしん)

ほうしん

noun

policy, course

business

1. policy, course, direction

A guiding principle or plan of action adopted by an organization or individual.

会社(かいしゃ)の方針(ほうしん)に従(したが)う。

To follow the company's policy.

方針(ほうしん)を変更(へんこう)する。

To change the policy.

基本(きほん)方針(ほうしん)を決(き)める。

To decide on the basic policy.

方針(ほうしん) refers to a policy, course of action, or guiding principle.

Etymology

方(ほう) (direction) + 針(しん) (needle) — like a compass needle pointing the way.

Common expressions

方針(ほうしん)を決(き)める: to decide on a policy
方針(ほうしん)に従(したが)う: to follow a policy
方針(ほうしん)を変更(へんこう)する: to change policy

Compounds

基本(きほん)方針(ほうしん): basic policy
経営(けいえい)方針(ほうしん): management policy
教育(きょういく)方針(ほうしん): educational policy

Usage

Common in business, government, and organizational contexts.

Related Words

Synonym: 政策(せいさく) (policy (government))

Compare: 指針(ししん) (guideline, guiding principle)

Compare: 方向性(ほうこうせい) (direction)

general

Added 2026.1.16 8:59 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02

04500/04871_houshin