Meet 横 in positions, directions and everyday signs. Learn each reading as part of a word.
The idea
横 has 15 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 横 is よこ in 横 and 横書き（よこがき）, but おう in 横断（おうだん） and 横断歩道（おうだんほどう）.
| Word | Reading |
|---|---|
| 横 | よこ |
| 横書き | よこがき |
| 横断 | おうだん |
| 横断歩道 | おうだんほどう |
Examples
- 猫は椅子の横にいます。The cat is beside the chair.
- 名前を横書きで書いてください。Please write your name horizontally.
- 横断歩道で道を渡ります。We cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.
- 子どもは母の横で寝ています。The child is sleeping beside their mother.
- この看板は縦より横が長いです。This sign is wider than it is tall.
- 横を見てください。Please look to the side.
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Watch out
横 can mean beside or horizontal according to context. 横書き is horizontal writing; 縦書き is vertical writing.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 横 in hiragana.
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よこ
横 is よこ: 椅子の横 means beside the chair.
Write the reading of 横断 in hiragana.
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おうだん
横断 is おうだん, meaning crossing; 横断歩道 is a pedestrian crossing.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿書き（よこがき）［横／縦］.
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横
横 makes 横書き（よこがき）, horizontal writing; 縦書き is vertical.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 横 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 横断 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿書き（よこがき）［横／縦］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 横 following the diagram, cover the table, then read 横断歩道 and make a sentence with 横.