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PrepositionsHSK 5

Comparing 朝 向 and 往

The prepositions 向 (xiàng), 朝 (cháo), and 往 (wǎng) all mean “towards” and can be used before a direction word and a verb (e.g., 向北走). They are largely interchangeable in this pattern, though 往 is most common with physical movement while 向 and 朝 can also express abstract direction or recipient.

Structure

向 / 朝 / 往 + Direction + Verb
They are usually interchangeable before direction words.

Examples

  • 从这里向/朝/往北走两百米就到了。
    Cóng zhèlǐ xiàng / cháo / wǎng běi zǒu liǎng bǎi mǐ jiù dào le.
    From here, go one hundred meters north, and you'll get there.
  • 这个小女孩向左看看又向右看看才过马路。
    Zhège xiǎo nǚhái xiàng zuǒ kànkan yòu xiàng yòu kànkan cái guò mǎlù.
    This little girl looked left and then looked right before crossing the street.
  • 我看见他朝你们家去了。
    Wǒ kànjiàn tā cháo nǐmen jiā qù le.
    I saw him going towards your house.
  • 往前走十分钟。
    Wǎng qián zǒu shí fēnzhōng.
    Walk forward for ten minutes.

Words that use this