87
向
Direction, Face Toward
むく (muku), むける (mukeru), むかう (mukau), むこう (mukou)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The ancient form of 向 is believed to have depicted a window opening in the upper part of a house. Think of an old house with a small window facing outward toward the world. From the idea of something being oriented toward a particular side, 向 developed meanings connected with facing, turning toward, and direction.
Memory Trick
“Look through Hole in the window, and it will show you the DIRECTION of your life.”
Readings
Onyomi: コウ (kou)
Kunyomi: むく (muku), むける (mukeru), むかう (mukau), むこう (mukou)
Example Words
向かう
むかう (mukau)
To head toward
方向
ほうこう (houkou)
Direction
向こう
むこう (mukou)
The other side
傾向
けいこう (keikou)
Tendency
Example Sentence
駅へ向かっています。
えき へ むかって います。
eki e mukatte imasu
I am heading to the station.