Definitions
About
Originally a pictograph, 向 depicted a window in a house wall. The outer enclosure represents the walls, while the inner 口 component signifies the window opening. In traditional architecture, windows were deliberately positioned to face specific directions for sunlight or ventilation, so the character's meaning evolved from the physical window to the concept of direction and orientation. This association forms the basis of its primary modern definitions as a preposition meaning "towards", "facing", or "in the direction of". The character is commonly used to indicate the trajectory of an action, the target of a behavior, or a past period when referring to historical trends.
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。