Quick answer
横 is the kanji for "Sideways". Its reading is よこ (yoko). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Sideways
Also : Side · Horizontal · Width
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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
15 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 横 represents 'SIDEWAYS'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of sideways.
On-reading: おう — remember this sound by associating it with sideways. Kun-reading: よこ.
Example Sentences
横断歩道を渡ります。
おうだんほどうをわたります。
I'll cross at the crosswalk.
横になって休んでください。
よこになってやすんでください。
Please lie down and rest.
Vocabulary using 横
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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