北
ホク, きた, きら, ほう, ほっ, ほつ

north

JLPT5 G2 S5 F153

The relevant oracle bone form of this character shows two figures, one with his back turned → turn one's back to the enemy and flee (along a winding course) → *flee* → *north* (← flee to the north; or, turn one's back to the cold north wind) → *go northward*.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]