Quick answer
西 is the kanji for "West". The most common reading is にし (nishi). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
West
Learn 西 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
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The sun trapped inside a grid of clouds — the sun is setting in the west, descending behind a cage of clouds and mountains at dusk.
にし (nishi) sounds like 'knee-she' — you kneel on your knee facing the western sunset.
Example Sentences
大阪は日本の西側です。
おおさかはにほんのにしがわです。
Osaka is on the western side of Japan.
西の空がきれいです。
にしのそらがきれいです。
The western sky is beautiful.
Vocabulary using 西
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Learn 西 with Spaced Repetition
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