Directional Preposition 向 in Chinese
向 + 方向
The preposition 向 introduces the direction in which a movement proceeds, as in 向左拐 or 向前走. The complete direction phrase appears before the verb. 向 overlaps with 往 for concrete direction, but it also extends to abstract destinations and interpersonal targets, which are treated on separate lessons.
Published August 1, 2026
Reviewed August 1, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Subject + 向 + Direction + Motion Verb
Read the structure
The preposition 向 introduces the direction in which a movement proceeds, as in 向左拐 or 向前走. The complete direction phrase appears before the verb. 向 overlaps with 往 for concrete direction, but it also extends to abstract destinations and interpersonal targets, which are treated on separate lessons. Keep the model Subject + 向 + Direction + Motion Verb visible while you compare each sentence.
现在向左拐。
Turn left now.
Choose the right context
Give a concrete direction before a motion verb. Write concise navigation instructions. Present orientation toward a place or side.
请向前走。
Please walk forward.
Respect the boundary
Do not place the direction after the motion verb in this preverbal pattern. Do not insert the verb between 向 and its direction. Do not mix this direction use with the separate interpersonal-target use.
现在向拐左。
(Now toward turn left.)
Repair the pattern
The verb splits 向 from the direction: 向 must directly introduce the direction before the motion verb. The direction phrase follows a completed command: In this pattern, 向前 forms a preverbal direction phrase and must stay together.
现在向左拐。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
现在向左拐。
Turn left now.
现在
Subject
This part occupies the Subject position in the model pattern.
向左
向
This part occupies the 向 position in the model pattern.
拐
Direction
This part occupies the Direction position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
现在向左拐。
Turn left now.
请向前走。
Please walk forward.
小船慢慢向岸边靠近。
The boat slowly approached the shore.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Give a concrete direction before a motion verb.
- Write concise navigation instructions.
- Present orientation toward a place or side.
Do not use it when
- Do not place the direction after the motion verb in this preverbal pattern.
- Do not insert the verb between 向 and its direction.
- Do not mix this direction use with the separate interpersonal-target use.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
现在向拐左。
现在向左拐。
The verb splits 向 from the direction
向 must directly introduce the direction before the motion verb.
请走向前。
请向前走。
The direction phrase follows a completed command
In this pattern, 向前 forms a preverbal direction phrase and must stay together.
现在向拐左。
向 must directly introduce the direction before the motion verb.
请走向前。
In this pattern, 向前 forms a preverbal direction phrase and must stay together.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 向 + 方向.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 向 + 方向. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
Directional Preposition 向 Questions
How is directional 向 different from 往?
They overlap for concrete directions. 往 is especially common in speech, while 向 has broader abstract and interpersonal extensions.
Is 向我学习 a direction phrase?
It uses the same preposition but marks an interpersonal target rather than a physical direction; that use has its own lesson.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: Appendix A, Level 2 item 【二23】, PDF p. 188
Lists physical-direction 向 at Level 2 separately from the later interpersonal-target use.
Official sourceLaoshi Chinese Grammar Reference
Laoshi editorial team · Laoshi · 2026
Locator: Expressing direction with 往 and 向, preposition section
Explains the preverbal order and the overlap and boundaries between concrete directional 往 and 向.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Easy to confuse
朝朝: Toward a Direction
向 and 朝 both introduce physical direction, with different common lexical and register preferences.
Easy to confuse
向 + 对象向 Introducing an Action Target
Separate 向 before a physical direction from 向 introducing an interpersonal action target.
Compare
沿（着）沿着: Along a Path
Distinguish a direction headed toward from a route explicitly followed through 沿着.
Compare
从从 for a Starting Point
Contrast the direction introduced by 向 with the movement origin introduced by 从.
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Easy to confuse
向 and 朝 both introduce physical direction, with different common lexical and register preferences.