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朝/向/往 + direction + V

HSK 5
  • Location

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject朝/向/往Direction/ObjectVerb

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Use the prepositions 朝, 向, and 往 to indicate the direction of an action, meaning 'toward' or 'in the direction of'.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

All three prepositions 朝 (cháo), 向 (xiàng), and 往 (wǎng) mean "toward" or "in the direction of." However, there are a few minor differences:

  • 朝: Emphasizes the direction that an action faces. Commonly used with verbs such as 看 (look), 笑 (smile), and 走 (walk).
  • 向: More formal than 朝; can be used for both concrete and abstract directions (e.g., learning from someone).
  • 往: Emphasizes the destination of movement. Commonly used with motion verbs such as 走 (walk), 开 (drive), and 飞 (fly).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他朝我笑了笑。
    Tā cháo wǒ xiào le xiào.

    He smiled at me.

  2. 我们要向好同学学习。
    繁: 我們要向好同學學習。Wǒmen yào xiàng hǎo tóngxué xuéxí.

    We should learn from good classmates.

  3. 你一直往前走就到了。
    Nǐ yìzhí wǎng qián zǒu jiù dào le.

    You'll arrive if you just keep walking straight ahead.

  4. 飞机向南飞去。
    繁: 飛機向南飛去。Fēijī xiàng nán fēi qù.

    The airplane flew southward.

  5. 他朝窗外看了一眼。
    Tā cháo chuāngwài kàn le yì yǎn.

    He glanced out the window.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:他在前面走。
    Correct:他往前面走。

    The preposition 在 indicates a static location, not a direction of movement. To express "go toward the front," use 往 (or 朝, 向) instead.

  • Wrong:我向他学习中文。
    Correct:我跟他学习中文。

    向 is used to indicate learning direction in an abstract sense (spiritual learning, qualities). When learning a specific subject from someone, use 跟.