1.
the north; northern direction; northern region
The northern part of a country or area. Often used in formal, geographical, or historical contexts rather than for simple directions.
北方から冷たい風が吹いている。
A cold wind is blowing from the north.
北方領土問題はまだ解決していない。
The Northern Territories issue has not yet been resolved.
北方の民族は厳しい寒さに適応した暮らしをしている。
Northern peoples live lifestyles adapted to severe cold.
USAGE:
北方 is a formal term for the northern region or direction. It is more literary and geographical than 北 (north), which is used for everyday directions.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 北方領土 (Northern Territories — the disputed islands between Japan and Russia)
- 北方民族 (northern peoples)
- 北方に位置する (to be located in the north)
RELATED WORDS:
南方 (the south, southern region), 東方 (the east), 西方 (the west) follow the same pattern.