In 15 Seconds
- Used for physical directions and metaphorical life advice.
- Very common in daily life and travel.
- Simple structure: Toward + Front + Walk.
Meaning
It literally means to move forward physically, but it's also used to tell someone to keep going in life or to follow a path.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving directions to a tourist
请往前走，书店就在左边。
Please go forward, the bookstore is on the left.
Leading friends through a crowd
大家跟我往前走！
Everyone, follow me and move forward!
In a taxi
师傅，麻烦一直往前走。
Driver, please just keep going straight.
Cultural Background
Used frequently in urban navigation and daily life. Similar usage, often heard in friendly, casual advice.
Use '一直'
Adding '一直' makes the instruction clearer for directions.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for physical directions and metaphorical life advice.
- Very common in daily life and travel.
- Simple structure: Toward + Front + Walk.
What It Means
往前走 is your basic, go-to phrase for movement. It tells someone to head straight or advance. Think of it as the GPS voice in your head. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
Use it when giving directions or leading a group. You can say it as a command or a suggestion. It works for physical walking or driving. Just point and say it. It’s that easy!
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is lost. Use it when you are hiking with a group. It’s perfect for telling a taxi driver to keep going. You can even use it metaphorically. Tell a friend to 往前走 after a breakup. It means 'keep moving on.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you need to turn. It strictly means forward, not left or right. Avoid using it with high-ranking bosses unless you’re guiding them. It might sound a bit too bossy. Don't say it if someone is already running! They might trip over your redundant advice.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values progress and looking ahead. The concept of 'front' is often associated with the future. Moving forward is seen as a positive, resilient trait. It’s the spirit of 'keep calm and carry on.' You’ll hear this in many inspirational Chinese songs too.
Common Variations
If you want to be polite, add 请 (please) at the start. For more emphasis, say 一直往前走 (go straight forward). If you’re in a rush, just shout 快往前走! (move forward quickly!). It’s a very flexible building block for your Chinese.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and safe to use in almost any context. Its formality depends entirely on the tone of voice and the addition of polite particles like 'please'.
Use '一直'
Adding '一直' makes the instruction clearer for directions.
Examples
6请往前走，书店就在左边。
Please go forward, the bookstore is on the left.
A polite way to guide someone.
大家跟我往前走！
Everyone, follow me and move forward!
Used to coordinate a group.
师傅，麻烦一直往前走。
Driver, please just keep going straight.
Standard instruction for a driver.
别难过了，我们要往前走。
Don't be sad, we need to move forward.
Metaphorical use for emotional support.
我就在前面，你往前走就能看到我。
I'm just ahead, you'll see me if you walk forward.
Common texting shorthand for meeting up.
大哥，往前走点儿，后面都堵住了！
Big brother, move forward a bit, it's blocked behind!
Slightly impatient but common in busy cities.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: 请一直______。
请一直______。
The correct word order is direction + verb.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises请一直______。
The correct word order is direction + verb.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it works for driving directions too.
No, it is very neutral.
Related Phrases
向前看
similarLook to the future
勇往直前
builds onBravely march forward
