向 (xiàng) — toward / facing

向 (xiàng)

向 is a preposition meaning toward or in the direction of. It introduces the target of movement or orientation. It is also used to indicate asking, reporting, or learning from someone. It can precede a person or place.

Meanings

1. [preposition] Toward; in the direction of.
2. [preposition] To (a person); from (expressing who an action is directed at).

Example Sentences

向左转。 Xiàng zuǒ zhuǎn. Turn left (toward the left).

我们应该向老师学习。 Wǒmen yīnggāi xiàng lǎoshī xuéxí. We should learn from the teacher.

他向我道歉了。 Tā xiàng wǒ dàoqiàn le. He apologized to me.

请向这边走。 Qǐng xiàng zhè biān zǒu. Please walk this way (toward this side).

Collocations

Memory Hook

向 shows a window (the top part) and a mouth (口). A person faces toward a window, looking in a specific direction. 向 always points you toward something or someone.