Moving or looking in the direction of the front.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates movement towards the front direction.
- Commonly used in giving directions or physical movement.
- Can also metaphorically mean looking towards the future.
Overview
- 1概述：‘往前’是一个由‘往’（向）和‘前’（前方）组成的词，主要表达运动的方向性。它在日常生活中非常高频，无论是问路、开车还是描述动作，都离不开这个词。2) 用法模式：通常用作状语，放在动词前面，如‘往前走’、‘往前看’。它也可以作为方位名词使用，但在现代汉语口语中，更多作为表示方向的副词。3) 常见语境：在问路时，人们常用‘一直往前走’来指路；在心理激励时，人们常说‘向前看’，意指不要纠结于过去。4) 近义词辨析：‘往前’与‘向前’基本通用，但‘往前’更口语化，‘向前’则略带书面色彩。与‘向后’、‘往左’、‘往右’构成一组方位词系统。
Examples
请一直往前走，就能看到车站。
everydayPlease keep walking forward, and you will see the station.
为了公司的发展，我们必须往前看。
formalFor the development of the company, we must look forward.
别管以前的事了，往前看吧！
informalStop worrying about the past, look forward!
历史的车轮总是不断往前滚动的。
academicThe wheel of history is constantly rolling forward.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一直往前
Straight ahead
大步往前走
Stride forward
不顾一切往前冲
Rush forward regardless of everything
Often Confused With
'前面' is a noun referring to a static location (in front). '往前' is a directional adverb referring to the action of moving forward.
'向后' is the exact opposite of '往前', indicating movement in the reverse direction.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '往前' when describing the direction of an action. It is highly versatile and used in both literal physical movement and metaphorical progress. It is considered neutral in register and appropriate for all daily communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '往前' as a noun, e.g., '在往前' instead of '在前面'. Remember that '往前' describes the movement, not the location itself. Also, ensure the verb follows immediately after the phrase.
Tips
Use with motion verbs
Always pair '往前' with verbs of motion like 走 (walk), 跑 (run), or 看 (look). This makes the direction clear to the listener.
Avoid position confusion
Do not confuse '往前' (direction of movement) with '前面' (a static position). Use '往前' for moving, '在前面' for staying.
Cultural connotation of progress
In Chinese culture, '往前看' is a very positive phrase used to encourage people to overcome failures and focus on future success.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '往' (to go towards) and '前' (front). It reflects the ancient Chinese concept of directionality based on the body's orientation.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, moving 'forward' is synonymous with progress and ambition. It reflects the value placed on self-improvement and future-oriented thinking.
Memory Tip
Think of an arrow pointing forward. '往' (towards) + '前' (front) = arrow moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思基本相同，可以互换。‘往前’在口语中更常用，而‘向前’在书面语或正式场合中使用频率稍高。
通常情况下需要加动词，如‘往前走’或‘往前跑’，构成动作的方向。如果单独使用，通常是作为方位名词，例如‘他在我的往前’（较少见，通常说‘在他前面’）。
可以。‘往前看’既可以指物理上的看前方，也可以指在时间轴上关注未来，即不要回头看过去的事情。
有的，其最直接的反义词是‘往后’。表示方向相反的移动。
Test Yourself
请一直___走，到路口右转。
根据语境，指路通常使用‘往前走’。
‘我们要向前看。’的意思是？
‘向前看’在这里是比喻义，指关注未来。
往前 / 走 / 请 / 你
标准语序为‘请 + 主语 + 状语 + 动词’。
Score: /3
Summary
Moving or looking in the direction of the front.
- Indicates movement towards the front direction.
- Commonly used in giving directions or physical movement.
- Can also metaphorically mean looking towards the future.
Use with motion verbs
Always pair '往前' with verbs of motion like 走 (walk), 跑 (run), or 看 (look). This makes the direction clear to the listener.
Avoid position confusion
Do not confuse '往前' (direction of movement) with '前面' (a static position). Use '往前' for moving, '在前面' for staying.
Cultural connotation of progress
In Chinese culture, '往前看' is a very positive phrase used to encourage people to overcome failures and focus on future success.
Examples
4 of 4请一直往前走，就能看到车站。
Please keep walking forward, and you will see the station.
为了公司的发展，我们必须往前看。
For the development of the company, we must look forward.
别管以前的事了，往前看吧！
Stop worrying about the past, look forward!
历史的车轮总是不断往前滚动的。
The wheel of history is constantly rolling forward.
