HSK 2
向
xiàng
Toward, in the direction of (向)
Explanation
'向' (xiàng) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship: at, with, for...) that indicates the DIRECTION of an action, meaning 'toward, in the direction of'.
Subject + 向 (xiàng) + [direction / location] + Verb. The phrase '向 + place' comes BEFORE the verb, serving as an adverbial (a component indicating time, place, or manner). For example 向西边看 xiàng xībiān kàn (look toward the west).
when indicating in which direction an action (go, look, run...) takes place. After '向' comes a direction word (东/西/南/北 - east/west/south/north, 前/后 - front/back) or a location.
Vietnamese learners often place the direction phrase AFTER the verb in the Vietnamese style ('go toward the library'), but in Chinese '向...' must be placed BEFORE the verb: 向图书馆走 (correct), one does not say *走向图书馆* at this level. Also do not confuse '向' with '往' wǎng (which also indicates direction but usually goes with verbs of movement).
Examples
Look toward the west, can you see the West Mountain?
He walked toward the library.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “向” effectively
The grammar point “向” (Toward, in the direction of (向)) 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.
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