What does 横 mean in Japanese?
横 means “side, horizontal” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 横 (side; horizontal), 横浜 (Yokohama), and 横断 (crossing).
For learners, the key is to study 横 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: オウ (ou)
Kun’yomi: よこ (yoko)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 横 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
横 is not limited to one English translation. In 横 (よこ), it means side; horizontal; in 横浜 (よこはま), it points to Yokohama; and in 横断 (おうだん), it is used for crossing. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 横（よこ / yoko） — side; horizontal
- 横浜（よこはま / yokohama） — Yokohama
- 横断（おうだん / ōdan） — crossing
- 横書き（よこがき / yokogaki） — horizontal writing
- 横顔（よこがお / yokogao） — profile; side face
- 横道（よこみち / yokomichi） — side road
Example Sentences
-
机の横にかばんを置きました。
つくえのよこにかばんをおきました。 / Tsukue no yoko ni kaban o okimashita.
I put my bag beside the desk.
-
横断歩道を渡ります。
おうだんほどうをわたります。 / Ōdan hodō o watarimasu.
I cross at the crosswalk.
-
ノートを横向きに置いてください。
のーとをよこむきにおいてください。 / Nōto o yokomuki ni oite kudasai.
Please place the notebook sideways.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 横 (よこ / yoko) because it keeps the core meaning of 横 clear. Then add 横浜 and 横断 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 横 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
横 means “side, horizontal” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 横, 横浜, and 横断.