日当(ひあ)たり

Etymology

日(ひ) (sun) + 当(あ)たり (hitting, exposure)

Literally "sun hitting" - how much sunlight reaches a place.

Importance in japan

日当(ひあ)たり is crucial in Japanese housing because:

• 南向(みなみむ)き (south-facing) rooms are preferred
• Good sunlight = natural warmth = lower heating costs
• Poor 日当(ひあ)たり leads to 湿気(しっけ) (dampness) and mold
• Affects mental well-being and plant growth

Common expressions

• 日当(ひあ)たりがいい/良(よ)い - gets good sunlight
• 日当(ひあ)たりが悪(わる)い - gets poor sunlight
• 日当(ひあ)たり良好(りょうこう) - excellent sun exposure (real estate term)

Real estate factors

• 方角(ほうがく) - direction the unit faces
• 南向(みなみむ)き (south) = best
• 東向(ひがしむ)き (east) = morning sun
• 西向(にしむ)き (west) = afternoon sun
• 北向(きたむ)き (north) = least sun
• 階数(かいすう) - floor level (higher = more sun)
• 周囲(しゅうい)の建物(たてもの) - surrounding buildings