This is the 298th most frequent Japanese word.
北
"North"
Here, "北" (kita) is used within the compound "北風" (kitakaze), meaning "north wind." It specifies the direction related to wind.
北風が強く吹いている。
The north wind is blowing strongly.
In this sentence, "北" is used as a standalone noun meaning "north," indicating a direction.
彼は北に向かって歩き始めた。
He started walking towards the north.
Here, "北" is used to describe a relative location, indicating the northern area of Japan.