向 xiàng — towards, in the direction of
xiàng (fourth tone, falling)xiang4
towards, in the direction of
HSK 2· HSK 1–4 (classic)preposition
Meanings
towards, in the direction of
Marks the direction a movement takes. Like every Chinese preposition it stands before the verb, not after it: 向左边走 "go left", never 走向左边 in this sense.
prepositionto (a person one addresses)
prepositionWith a person, 向 names who receives the action: 向他介绍, 向老师学习. The phrase always comes before the verb.
Example sentences
- 向左边走，医院就在那儿。向左邊走，醫院就在那兒。Xiàng (fourth tone, falling) zuǒbian (third tone, dipping) zǒu, (third tone, dipping) yīyuàn (first tone, high and level) jiù (fourth tone, falling) zài (fourth tone, falling) nàr. (fourth tone, falling)···
Go left — the hospital is right there.
- 他向我们介绍了他的公司。他向我們介紹了他的公司。Tā (first tone, high and level) xiàng (fourth tone, falling) wǒmen (third tone, dipping) jièshàole (fourth tone, falling) tā (first tone, high and level) de (neutral tone) gōngsī. (first tone, high and level)···
He told us about his company.
Common mistakes
Not quite我们走向右边。
Correct我们向右边走。
A Chinese preposition phrase goes in front of the verb it modifies. Putting 向 after 走, on the English pattern "walk towards", reverses the order the sentence needs.