Japanese Conversation · Level 32
90 words
Japanese word
向かう
Pronunciation
Romajimukau
Meaning
- verbgo toward
Example
学校に向かいます。gak kō ni mu ka i ma su
I am heading to school.
More examples
仕事が終わったら、私は家へ向かいます。shi goto ga o wa tta ra watashi wa ie e mu ka i ma su
When work is over, I will head home.
Core concept
Expresses directing one's movement or position toward a particular destination, person, or point.
Common phrases
家へ向かうie e mu ka u
head home
会社へ向かうkai sha e mu ka u
go to the office
Similar words
行くiku: To move to a destination, focusing on reaching that place.
出かけるdekakeru: To leave one place to go somewhere, often for an activity or purpose.
目指すmezasu: To set a destination or goal and move toward it.
Definition in Japanese
目的地や相手のいる方へ進む。また、目的地や相手の方を向く。moku teki chi ya ai te no i ru hō e susu mu ma ta moku teki chi ya ai te no hō o mu ku
Word origin
向かう (mukau, "go toward") is a native Japanese verb derived from Old Japanese 向かふ (mukapu), combining 向く (muku, "face") with the suffix ふ (pu), which adds a continuing sense.
Usage tips
- 向かう (mukau, "go toward") can describe a person heading to school, work, or an event, even before the person reaches the destination.