Japanese Conversation · Level 50
90 words
Japanese word
向ける
Pronunciation
Romajimukeru
Meaning
- verbpoint
Example
窓にカメラを向けます。mado ni ka me ra o mu ke ma su
I point the camera at the window.
More examples
先生は質問している学生に体を向けます。sen sei wa shitsu mon shi te i ru gaku sei ni karada o mu ke ma su
The teacher turns his body toward the student asking the question.
Core concept
Expresses the act of making something face a particular direction or target.
Common phrases
カメラを向けるka me ra o mu ke ru
point a camera
顔を向けるkao o mu ke ru
turn one's face toward ___
視線を向けるshi sen o mu ke ru
direct one's gaze toward ___
Similar words
指すsasu: To point at a person, place, or thing to indicate its position or identity.
当てるateru: To aim or direct something at a target so that it reaches or affects it.
Definition in Japanese
人や物を、ある方向や対象のほうに向かわせる。hito ya mono o a ru hō kō ya tai shō no hō ni mu ka wa se ru
Word origin
The native verb 向ける (mukeru) pairs with 向く (muku, "face or turn toward"); this pairing gives it the meaning of causing a person or thing to face something.
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 向ける (mukeru) can describe pointing a camera at a scene or directing attention to a topic, making its range wider than physical aiming alone.
Other meanings
- aimverb
- directverb
- turn towardverb
Opposites
- 背けるsomukeruturn awayverb