Definitions
About
The character 向 originated as a pictogram depicting a window in a wall, with its earliest attested meaning being "window". In its modern form, it is composed of the roof radical 宀 above the component 口, structurally suggesting an opening within a dwelling. From this concrete referent, its meaning gradually extended to encompass the idea of facing a particular orientation, as windows are aligned toward specific directions. This evolution resulted in 向 acquiring its core contemporary senses of "toward", "direction", or "to face", effectively transitioning from a physical object to a relational spatial concept.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我向老师问好。
太阳向东升起。
我们向前走。
他向我借了一本书。
她总是向别人学习。
这个方向通向城市。
他向我解释了原因。
我们必须向困难挑战。