東

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: This entry for 東 is read ひがし and names the direction east.
• Basic usage: It is used to describe the eastern sky or give directions from a station.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Independent and compound readings
  • The independent direction word is ひがし, but 東西 is とうざい and 東口 is ひがしぐち. The compound determines which reading is used.