Preposition: 向 (Towards / To)
介词：向
Use 向 to express direction of action or the target of learning, asking, or reporting
Place 向 before a person or direction to indicate the target of an action. 向 can express both physical direction (向前走 — walk forward) and abstract direction (向老师请假 — ask the teacher for leave).
向 is more versatile than 朝. While 朝 is mainly physical, 向 extends to abstract actions like learning from someone, asking someone, or reporting to someone. 向 is neutral in register — appropriate for both spoken and written Chinese.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 向 (Towards / To) (介词：向)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词：向 pattern
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Understanding 介词：向
The preposition 向 (xiàng) means "towards" or "to" and indicates the direction or target of an action. It is one of the most versatile directional prepositions in Chinese. On the physical side, 向前走 means "walk forward" and 向右转 means "turn right." But 向 really shines in its abstract uses: 向老师学习 (learn from the teacher), 向老师请假 (ask the teacher for leave), 向大家介绍 (introduce to everyone). In these cases, 向 points to the person who is the target of a social or communicative action. Think of 向 as an arrow pointing from the doer of the action to its recipient or direction. It is more formal than 跟 in many of these contexts and carries a sense of respect and intentionality.
Key Points
- 向 (xiàng) = "towards / to" — indicates direction or target of an action.
- Physical direction: 向前, 向左, 向南 (forward, left, south).
- Abstract direction: 向他学习 (learn from him), 向她道歉 (apologize to her).
- Commonly used with: 学习 (learn from), 请假 (ask for leave), 介绍 (introduce to), 道歉 (apologize to).
- More formal than 跟 in expressions like 向他学习 vs. 跟他学习.
- 向 implies respect and intentionality — suitable for formal contexts.
The phrase 向雷锋同志学习 (Learn from Comrade Lei Feng) is one of the most famous political slogans in Chinese history. This use of 向 to express "learning from" a role model reflects the cultural emphasis on emulating virtuous people. Understanding 向 in this context helps you appreciate how direction can be metaphorical in Chinese.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我们要向班长学习。
We should learn from the class president.
如果不能来上课，你要向老师请假。
If you can't come to class, you should ask the teacher for leave.
他向大家介绍了自己。
He introduced himself to everyone.
请向前走一百米。
Please walk forward 100 meters.
你应该向她道歉。
You should apologize to her.
他向公司提出了辞职。
He submitted his resignation to the company.
她向我借了一本书。
She borrowed a book from me.
向 can also indicate the source in borrowing
Common Mistakes
向他学习 already expresses "learn from him." There is no need to add 给我 — that creates a redundant and confusing sentence.
For the physical action of looking in a direction, 朝 is more natural than 向. 向 is better for abstract actions and walking directions.
The person asking for leave is already the subject (你). Do not repeat it after the verb.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 向 for abstract social actions: 向他学习, 向她道歉, 向老师请假, 向大家介绍.
For physical looking and facing, 朝 is usually better than 向. For walking directions, both work.
Think of 向 as a respectful arrow: it points from you toward the person you are addressing or learning from.
Memorize the pair 向……学习 — it is one of the most commonly tested grammar points in HSK exams.
Homework
Write six sentences using 向: two about learning from someone, two about asking or reporting to someone, and two about physical directions.