• 南国なんごく — southern country
• 南風みなみかぜ — south wind
• 南口みなみぐち — south exit
• 南部なんぶ — southern part
• 指南しなん — guidance, instruction
• 南極なんきょく — South Pole, Antarctic
• 南瓜かぼちゃ — pumpkin

南 originated from the image of a musical instrument used by southern tribes, represented by its shape hanging from a tree. Over time, it came to mean "south," the direction associated with warmth and music in many cultures.