方向 (fāngxiàng) — direction; orientation
HSK 4 | noun | a physical or figurative path or bearing
方向 (fāngxiàng)
方向 refers to a physical direction such as north or left, or a figurative direction such as the path of a career or project.
Meanings
- [noun] Direction; orientation (a physical bearing or figurative course of action).
Example Sentences
请问火车站在哪个方向？ Qǐngwèn huǒchēzhàn zài nǎge fāngxiàng? Excuse me, in which direction is the train station?
我们需要重新考虑公司的发展方向。 Wǒmen xūyào chóngxīn kǎolǜ gōngsī de fāzhǎn fāngxiàng. We need to reconsider the direction of the company's development.
他在人生的方向上感到迷茫。 Tā zài rénshēng de fāngxiàng shàng gǎndào mímáng. He feels lost about the direction of his life.
这辆车朝错误的方向行驶了。 Zhè liàng chē cháo cuòwù de fāngxiàng xíngshǐ le. This car was traveling in the wrong direction.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 发展方向 | direction of development |
| 朝…方向 | toward the direction of ... |
| 努力方向 | direction of effort |
| 改变方向 | to change direction |
| 明确方向 | to clarify the direction |
Usage Notes
方向 works for both literal physical directions (east, west, left, right) and abstract ones (life direction, research direction, policy direction). The verb 朝 (toward) is often paired with 方向: 朝正确的方向走 (go in the right direction).
Memory Hook
方 means "square/side" and 向 means "facing/toward"; 方向 is the side you are facing, pointing you to where you should go.