Quick answer
南 is the kanji for "South". The most common reading is みなみ (minami). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
South
Also : Southern
Learn 南 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
A figure with legs spread wide under a canopy, basking in warmth — plants and people spread out and expand when facing the warm south sun.
みなみ (minami) sounds like "Me and me" — both versions of me love the sunny south.
Example Sentences
沖縄は日本の南側です。
おきなわはにほんのみなみがわです。
Okinawa is on the southern side of Japan.
南の島へ旅行したいです。
みなみのしまへりょこうしたいです。
I want to travel to a southern island.
Vocabulary using 南
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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