How to say "orientation" in Japanese

• 方向ほうこうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounUse this for orientation as direction or bearing: which way something points or is headed, physically or figuratively, as in the direction of a plan or policy.
  チーズの棚たなはどちらの方向ほうこうにありますか。↗

  Which way is the cheese shelf?
• 向きむきJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)Orientation as the way a person or thing is turned to face — the exposure or aspect of a room, say. It points to the facing itself rather than a course to follow.
• オリエンテーションJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe loanword for orientation as an introductory briefing or guidance session — for new students or employees, say — or for the act of getting oriented to a new situation.
  新入生しんにゅうせい向むけのオリエンテーションを行おこなう。↗

  We will have a period of orientation for freshmen.
• 志向しこうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers orientation in the sense of a leaning, aim, or preference toward a goal — what someone or something is oriented toward in intention, not in physical space.
  その会社かいしゃの強つよさは未来志向みらいしこうの戦略せんりゃくによって生うみだされている。↗

  The strength of the firm is attributed to its future-oriented strategy.

Choose 方向 or 「向き」 for physical direction — which way something points or faces — 「オリエンテーション」 for introductory guidance sessions, and 志向 for a goal-oriented leaning or preference in thinking or policy.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 方向ほうこうdirection
• 向きむきdirection
• オリエンテーションorientation
• 志向しこうintention
• 配向はいこうorientation
• オリエンテーション教育オリエンテーションきょういくorientation
• 配向性はいこうせいorientation
• 定位ていいposition
• 標定ひょうていstandardization
• 見当識けんとうしき(mental) orientation
• 方向性ほうこうせいdirectionality