Meaning
The kanji 横 (yoko, ou) is an essential character in Japanese, primarily conveying the meanings of "side," "horizontal," and "across." This versatile kanji can describe physical orientation, direction of movement, and even abstract qualities. When referring to "side," it often means the adjacent part of something, like standing next to a car, or a profile view, such as someone's face from the side. For "horizontal," it indicates a flat, level plane or orientation, in contrast to "vertical"—think of a road stretching flat or an object laid down. The meaning "across" typically implies movement or positioning from one side to another, such as crossing a street.
The character is formed from two components: the radical 木 (ki/kigashira), meaning "tree" or "wood," on the left, and 黄 (ou/kou), meaning "yellow," on the right. While 黄 often serves as a phonetic component to indicate the reading "ou" (オウ), it also carries the semantic nuance of "spreading out" or "broadness." When combined with 木, we can visualize a tree whose branches spread out horizontally, or a piece of wood laid flat across something, like a crossbeam. This visual imagery powerfully reinforces the core meanings of "horizontal" and "across."
The kanji 横 has 15 strokes and is part of the curriculum for 4th graders in Japanese elementary schools. For JLPT learners, it is a key character for the N3 level. You'll encounter it in many common vocabulary words and phrases related to spatial orientation and actions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading for 横 is primarily オウ (Ō). This reading, derived from ancient Chinese, is typically used when 横 appears as part of a compound word, often alongside other kanji. It often gives the word a more formal or academic tone.
- 横断 (ōdan) — meaning "crossing" or "traverse." It's commonly used for crossing roads, rivers, or other linear obstructions. For example, 道路を横断する (dōro o ōdan suru) means "to cross a road."
- 横行 (ōkō) — meaning "walking sideways" (like a crab) or, more commonly, "rampant" or "prevalent." In its more common usage, it describes negative phenomena spreading unchecked. For instance, 汚職が横行する (oshoku ga ōkō suru) means "corruption is rampant."
- 横着 (ōchaku) — meaning "impudent," "lazy," or "cheating." It describes someone who takes shortcuts, avoids responsibility, or acts disrespectfully. This term implies a 'sideways' or 'crooked' approach to rules or effort.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese readings, used when the kanji appears alone or with okurigana (accompanying hiragana). The most common Kun'yomi for 横 is よこ (yoko).
- 横 (yoko) — meaning "side," "horizontal," or "breadth." This is its most frequent usage and can refer to the side of an object, a horizontal direction, or the width of something. For instance, 物の横に立つ (mono no yoko ni tatsu) means "to stand beside something."
- 横切る (yokogiru) — meaning "to cross," "to traverse," or "to go across." This verb emphasizes the action of moving from one side to the other. For example, 道を横切る (michi o yokogiru) means "to cross the road."
- 横たわる (yokotawaru) — meaning "to lie down" or "to stretch out." This intransitive verb describes a person or object lying in a horizontal, supine position. For example, 床に横たわる (yuka ni yokotawaru) means "to lie on the floor."
- 横たえる (yokotaeru) — meaning "to lay down" or "to place horizontally." This is the transitive counterpart of 横たわる, meaning to actively place something in a horizontal position. For instance, 彼をベッドに横たえる (kare o beddo ni yokotaeru) means "to lay him on the bed."
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 横 appears in countless essential compound words in Japanese, covering various aspects of daily life, spatial descriptions, and even abstract concepts. Learning these compounds is key to mastering N3 level Japanese.
Spatial & Direction
- 横長 (yokonaga) — horizontally long, oblong. Describes something that is wider than it is tall.
- 横向き (yokomuki) — sideways-facing, profile. Refers to something or someone facing to the side.
- 横書き (yokogaki) — horizontal writing. The standard writing direction in many modern contexts, contrasting with vertical writing (縦書き).
- 横顔 (yokogao) — profile, side view of a face. Captures the appearance of a person's face when viewed from the side.
Movement & Action
- 横断歩道 (ōdanhodō) — pedestrian crossing, crosswalk. A designated area for people to cross a road.
- 横滑り (yokosuberi) — sideslip, skidding sideways. Often used to describe a vehicle losing traction and sliding horizontally.
- 横揺れ (yokoyure) — lateral shaking, side-to-side sway. Commonly refers to the shaking motion during an earthquake or on a boat.
- 横取り (yokodori) — snatching, hijacking, taking by force. Implies taking something away from someone unfairly or forcefully.
Behavior & Attitude
- 横柄 (ōhei) — arrogant, overbearing, haughty. Describes a demeanor of superiority and disrespect towards others.
- 横槍 (yokoyari) — interruption, butt-in. Literally "side spear," it means to interrupt a conversation or activity.
Specialized & Cultural
- 横綱 (yokozuna) — Grand Champion in sumo. This is the highest rank in professional sumo wrestling, named after the ceremonial rope worn by the champion (yokozuna literally means "horizontal rope").
Example Sentences
道を横切るときは、車に気をつけてください。
Michi o yokogiru toki wa, kuruma ni ki o tsukete kudasai.
When you cross the street, please be careful of cars.
彼女の横顔はとても美しい。
Kanojo no yokogao wa totemo utsukushii.
Her profile (side face) is very beautiful.
机の横に本が何冊かあります。
Tsukue no yoko ni hon ga nansatsu ka arimasu.
There are several books next to the desk.
飛行機が空を横断していきました。
Hikōki ga sora o ōdan shite ikimashita.
An airplane crossed the sky.
その絵は縦よりも横長のデザインです。
Sono e wa tate yori mo yokonaga no dezain desu.
That painting has a horizontally long design rather than a vertical one.
疲れて、ソファに横になった。
Tsukarete, sofa ni yoko ni natta.
I got tired and lay down on the sofa.
この地域では、詐欺が横行しています。
Kono chiiki de wa, sagi ga ōkō shite imasu.
Fraud is rampant in this area.
病人をベッドに横たえる。
Byōnin o beddo ni yokotaeru.
To lay the patient down on the bed.
私たちは横並びで歩いた。
Watashitachi wa yokonabi de aruita.
We walked side by side.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 横, visualize its components: 木 (tree) on the left and 黄 (yellow) on the right. Imagine a tall, sturdy tree (木) painted a vibrant yellow (黄). Now, picture this bright yellow tree not standing upright, but fallen horizontally across a busy road. This yellow tree, lying flat, effectively blocks the path, forcing everyone to go across it or move to its side. This helps solidify its core meanings.