Meaning

Primary

The West

Alternatives

Western Countries, Western

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

Go west until you encounter Western style buildings and customs and languages everywhere. Hey, you've made it to the West!

西洋 refers to Western countries, especially European and English-speaking countries. It's the same kind of "West" that people mean when they talk about Western culture and all that.

Reading

せいよう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 西洋の文化

    Western culture

    西洋の社会

    Western society

Context Sentences

西洋の国にはまだ行ったことがないんです。

I haven't been to any western countries yet.

ハグは西洋の文化だと言えるでしょう。

We could say hugging is a part of Western culture.

西洋人は家の中で靴を履いて過ごすんですか?

Do Westerners spend their time in shoes at their homes?

Kanji Composition