Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of bird returning to nest (following sun setting in west).
Symbolism
West, sunset, ending. Represents autumn and metal in Five Elements.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
古今東西
ここんとうざい
all times and places; all ages and countries; all times and places
東西南北
とうざいなんぼく
east, west, south and north; east, west, south and north
東奔西走
とうほんせいそう
busying oneself about (something); being on the move; bestirring oneself; busying oneself about (something)
西方浄土
さいほうじょうど
Western Pure Land (Amitabha's Buddhist paradise); Western Pure Land (Amitabha's Buddhist paradise)
東夷西戎
とういせいじゅう
barbarians to the east and to the west (from the perspective of old China); barbarians to the east and to the west (from the perspective of old China)
東西古今
とうざいここん
all times and places; everywhen and everywhere; all times and places
Proverbs & Idioms
西も東もわからない
にしもひがしもわからない
Not knowing west from east
Being completely lost or confused
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 西 mean in Japanese?
西 means west, Spain.
How do you read 西?
On'yomi: セイ、サイ、ス (SEI, SAI, SU). Kun'yomi: にし (nishi).
How many strokes does 西 have?
西 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 襾 (west).
Is 西 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 西 (west, Spain) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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