HSK 2
往
wǎng
Grammar point: 往 (wǎng) - indicating direction of movement
Explanation
往 (wǎng) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to show a relationship: at, with, toward...) used to indicate the DIRECTION of movement, translated as "toward, in the direction of." It emphasizes which direction you go, rather than a specific destination.
往 (wǎng) + direction word + verb of movement. Common direction words: 左 (zuǒ, left), 右 (yòu, right), 前 (qián, front), 后 (hòu, back), 上 (shàng, up), 下 (xià, down). Verbs of movement such as 走 (zǒu, walk/go), 开 (kāi, drive). For example 往左走 = go to the left.
when giving directions or indicating the direction to go.
(1) Placing 往 AFTER the verb (writing 走往左) — wrong; 往 + direction must come before the verb. (2) After 往 there must be a direction or place word, not an action; don't say 往看. (3) Confusing 往 with 向 (xiàng, which also means "toward"); at the HSK2 level, using 往 for giving directions is the safest.
Examples
Go to the left and you'll see the restroom.
Go straight ahead a hundred meters and you'll be there.
Practice
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Learn “往” effectively
The grammar point “往” (Grammar point: 往 (wǎng) - indicating direction of movement) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.