Definitions
About
The character "向" derives from an early pictograph of a window, structurally composed of the "宀" roof component above the "口" element representing an opening, which together depicted a window in a dwelling. Its original meaning referred specifically to a window, but over centuries this concrete reference extended metaphorically to encompass the idea of facing a particular direction, as windows typically orient a space outward. Consequently, the character's semantic field shifted from denoting a physical aperture to expressing orientation and direction, evolving into its contemporary functions as a noun for "direction" and a preposition meaning "towards", while the ancient sense of "window" persists only in historical or literary contexts.
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。