向
向·face, toward, direction
- On-yomi
- コウ
- Kun-yomi
- むくむけるむかう
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 方向 | ほうこう | direction |
| 向かう | むかう | to head toward |
| 向こう | むこう | over there, the other side |
| 子供向け | こどもむけ | aimed at children |
Example sentences
駅は反対の方向です。
えきははんたいのほうこうです。
The station is in the opposite direction.
今から会社に向かいます。
いまからかいしゃにむかいます。
I'm heading to the office now.
この本は子供向けに書かれている。
このほんはこどもむけにかかれている。
This book is written for children.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up 〜向け (made for a target group) with 〜向き (suited to, facing)
- Reading 向こう as *こうこう instead of むこう
Memory aid
Picture it
A window (口) cut in a wall — you face it and look out that way.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 方向ほうこうdirection
- 傾向けいこうtendency
- 向かい合うむかいあうto face each other
- 向くむくto face, be suited
- 向けるむけるto turn toward, aim
- 向かいむかいthe opposite side, across the street, facing
- 向こうむこうover there, opposite side
- 向かうむかうto face, to head toward
- 向上するこうじょうするto improve, to rise (skill, quality, standard)
- 一向にいっこうにat all; (not) in the least (with negative)
- 向うむかうto face, to head towards, to go in the direction of
- 景気動向けいきどうこうeconomic trend
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 2 of 5
What does the kanji 向 mean?