Quick answer
東 is the kanji for "East". It is a JLPT N5 kanji. The main reading is ひがし (higashi). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
East
Also : Eastern
Learn 東 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
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The sun (日) rising through a tree (木) — the sun climbs the branches of an eastern tree at dawn. The tree silhouette is perfectly bisected by the rising sun.
とう (tou) sounds like 'toe' — your toe points east when you face the sunrise.
Example Sentences
東口で待っています。
ひがしぐちでまっています。
I'm waiting at the east exit.
東京の電車は、毎朝とても混んでいます。
とうきょうのでんしゃは、まいあさとてもこんでいます。
The trains in Tokyo are extremely crowded every morning.
Vocabulary using 東
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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