向

JLPT N3

Face, head toward

Readings

On’yomi: コウ (kō)

Kun’yomi: む(く), む(ける), む(こう) (mu(ku), mu(keru), mu(kō))

• む(く) – to face, to turn toward • む(ける) – to turn toward, to point • む(こう) – opposite, other side

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

向かう

むかう

head toward

方向

ほうこう

direction

向上

こうじょう

improvement

向こう

むこう

opposite side

傾向

けいこう

tendency

Example Sentences

駅に向かいます。

えきにむかいます。

I head to the station.

方向を確認します。

ほうこうをかくにんします。

I check the direction.

向上します。

こうじょうします。

It improves.

向こうに見えます。

むこうにみえます。

I can see the other side.

傾向があります。

けいこうがあります。

There is a tendency.

Cultural Note

➡ 向 emphasizes direction, orientation, and attitude in Japanese culture.
• Frequently used in daily life for facing directions or turning toward something (向く, 向ける, 向こう).
• Appears in abstract and motivational contexts for attitude or perspective (前向き, 志向, 方向).
• Reflects cultural appreciation for awareness of direction, purpose, and focus.