The general Japanese term for “directions” is Hōgaku — 方角. It can mean directions, orientation, or bearings. It’s used for cardinal directions, positioning in space, or orientation on a map.
Related Terms
Hōkō (方向) — direction / orientation / heading – (more about movement or vector-like direction)
Shikaku (四角) — the four directions – (often used in classical or religious / ritual language)
Shihō (四方) — all directions / all sides – (“in every direction”)
Hōi (方位) — compass direction / bearing – (especially in navigation or geomancy)
In martial arts context, when talking about directions in a dojo or for technique, the word hōkō (方向) is most natural for movement. “Change direction” → 方向を変える (hōkō o kaeru). Hōgaku (方角) is more for spatial layout: “Face the correct direction” → 正しい方角を向く
Basic Directions & Levels
Ushiro — 後ろ — Back
Mae — 前 — Front
Yoko — 横 — Side
Migi — 右 — Right
Hidari — 左 — Left
Gedan — 下段 — Low
Chūdan — 中段 — Middle
Jōdan — 上段 — High
Horizontal & Diagonal Directions
Naname — 斜め — Diagonal
Mae-naname — 前斜め — Forward diagonal
Ushiro-naname — 後ろ斜め — Rear diagonal
Massugu — 真っ直ぐ — Straight / directly forward
Mawashi — 回し — Around / circular
Sayū — 左右 — Left and right / side-to-side
Vertical Directions
Ue — 上 — Up / above
Shita — 下 — Down / below
Zujō — 頭上 — Overhead
Jōhō — 上方 — Upper direction
Kahō — 下方 — Lower direction
Center & Off-Center Concepts
Chūshin — 中心 — Center
Seichūsen — 正中線 — Centerline
Uchi — 内 — Inside
Soto — 外 — Outside
Uchigawa — 内側 — Inner side
Sotogawa — 外側 — Outer side
Angles & Planes
Tate — 縦 — Vertical
Yoko — 横 — Horizontal
Naname — 斜め — Diagonal
Age — 上げ — Upward movement
Oroshi — 下ろし — Downward movement
Positional / Relative Directions
Mae ni — 前に — To the front
Kōhō — 後方 — Rear / behind
Sokumen — 側面 — Side / flank
Hantai — 反対 — Opposite side
Dōgawa — 同側 — Same side
Movement Directions (Footwork & Positioning)
Zenshin — 前進 — Advance
Kōtai — 後退 — Retreat
Kaiten — 回転 — Turn / rotate
Tenkai — 転回 — Pivot / turning rotation
Hairu — 入る — Enter / step in
Sagaru — 下がる — Step back / retreat
