It signifies moving or orienting oneself toward a target or destination.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To move toward a specific destination or direction.
- To turn one's body or attention toward something.
- To progress toward a certain state or goal.
概要：「向かう」は、ある地点から別の地点へ移動する動作、または体や視線を特定の方向に置く動作を表します。日常会話からビジネスシーンまで幅広く使われる基本動詞です。
- 1使用パターン：場所を表す名詞に「に」や「へ」を伴い、「目的地に向かう」の形で頻繁に使用されます。また、物理的な移動だけでなく、「解決に向かう（解決の方向へ進む）」のように抽象的な状況の変化にも使われます。
- 1一般的な文脈：日常的には「駅に向かう」「家に向かう」といった移動で使われ、ビジネスでは「会議室に向かう」「目標に向かって努力する」といった表現で用いられます。また、顔や体を向けるという意味で「窓に向かって座る」という使い方も一般的です。
- 1類語比較：「行く」は単に移動の事実を表しますが、「向かう」には「その方向へ意識や目的を持って進む」というニュアンスが含まれます。「進む」は前進することに重点があり、「向かう」は目的地との関係性や方向性に重点があります。
Examples
駅に向かう途中で雨が降ってきた。
everydayIt started raining on my way to the station.
担当者が現地に向かっております。
formalThe person in charge is heading to the site.
海に向かって叫んだ。
informalI shouted toward the ocean.
事態は改善に向かっている。
academicThe situation is heading toward improvement.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
今、向かっています
I am on my way now.
目標に向かって
towards the goal
正面に向かう
face forward
Often Confused With
Go is a general term for movement. Head toward implies a specific focus on the path or direction.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '向かう' when you want to emphasize the process of traveling or the direction you are facing. It is slightly more formal than '行く'. In business, it is a standard verb for notifying someone of your transit.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '向かう' when they have already arrived, which is incorrect. Remember that it describes the movement process. Also, ensure you use the correct particle 'に' or 'へ' for the destination.
Tips
Focus on the direction
Think of '向かう' as having an arrow pointing toward a target. It is more about the orientation than just the act of walking or driving.
Not for casual visits
While '行く' is neutral, '向かう' sounds like you are currently in the process of traveling. Do not use it if you have already arrived.
Polite usage in business
In business, saying '今、向かっています' is a standard way to inform someone you are on your way. It sounds professional and diligent.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '向く' (to turn/face) combined with the movement suffix. It evolved to describe the act of moving toward that specific direction.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, being precise about your location and intent is important. '向かう' shows you are actively working toward a goal or arrival.
Memory Tip
Imagine a compass needle '向かう' (pointing) toward the north. It helps visualize the meaning of orientation and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「行く」は目的地に到達する移動の事実に焦点がありますが、「向かう」は目的地へ進む方向性や意図に焦点があります。
はい、「向かった」として過去の移動や動作を表すことができます。例えば「昨日、空港に向かった」のように使います。
文脈によりますが、移動の観点では「戻る（帰る）」や「離れる」が反対の概念として挙げられます。
はい、「彼に向かって話す」のように、視線や意識を向ける対象として人を用いることができます。
Test Yourself
私は今、駅___向かっています。
目的地に向かう場合、通常は「に」または「へ」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
It signifies moving or orienting oneself toward a target or destination.
- To move toward a specific destination or direction.
- To turn one's body or attention toward something.
- To progress toward a certain state or goal.
Focus on the direction
Think of '向かう' as having an arrow pointing toward a target. It is more about the orientation than just the act of walking or driving.
Not for casual visits
While '行く' is neutral, '向かう' sounds like you are currently in the process of traveling. Do not use it if you have already arrived.
Polite usage in business
In business, saying '今、向かっています' is a standard way to inform someone you are on your way. It sounds professional and diligent.
Examples
4 of 4駅に向かう途中で雨が降ってきた。
It started raining on my way to the station.
担当者が現地に向かっております。
The person in charge is heading to the site.
海に向かって叫んだ。
I shouted toward the ocean.
事態は改善に向かっている。
The situation is heading toward improvement.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
