西

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 太陽は西に沈みます。▶ —
   The sun sets in the west.
2. 西口の改札で会いましょう。▶ —
   Let's meet at the west ticket gate.

Collocations

Mnemonic

西 nishi — onyomi せい (sei) / さい (sai): 西洋 (seiyou, the West/Occident), 関西 (Kansai) = 関所 (seki, old toll-checkpoint) + 西 (west of those checkpoints). Japan's regional split 関東 (Kantou, Tokyo-centered) vs 関西 (Kansai, Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe) — different dialects, foods, temperaments. Standing identity-joke material. The kanji 西 originally pictured a bird returning to its nest → extended to the direction the sun sets.

Quick check

1. Kanji breakdown of 関西?

   • West (西) of the old toll checkpoints (関所) = Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe area
   • West where people wore crowns
   • Closed gate of the west
   • Coincidental kanji combo