向 Stroke Order — How to Write 向
向 is written in 6 strokes, following the standard Chinese stroke order. Start from the radical 口, then complete the remaining strokes.
Stroke order matters in Chinese: it keeps the character balanced, and it is how dictionaries and handwriting input methods expect a character to be written.
向 Radical and Character Components
Partial breakdown of 向:口
Radical: 口 + 3 more strokes
向 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- xiàng
Meanings of 向 in Chinese
1
xiàng向
towards; facing; opposite of 'back'
小船向远处驶去。
The small boat sailed into the distance.
Preposition, indicating the direction or object of an action; towards, facing, to.
请你向他问好。
Please say hello to him.
direction; ambition; aim
我们应该向着目标努力。
We should work hard towards our goals.
Approaching; near (a time or state), as in "towards evening" or "approaching dusk".
夕阳西下，天空渐渐向晚。
The sun sets in the west, and the sky gradually approaches evening.
To show partiality towards; to favor; to lean towards (as in "偏向")
老师不应该偏向任何一个学生。
Teachers should not show favoritism to any student.
Formerly; in the past.
向者，他住在城里。
Formerly, he lived in the city.
As an adverb, indicating a state or action that has been consistent or ongoing from the beginning until now; all along.
他一向很喜欢阅读。
He has always enjoyed reading.
Common Words and Phrases with 向
1
support or oppose; alignment or opposition
关于这个方案，大家的向背并不一致
Regarding this proposal, people's support and opposition are not consistent.
2
A guide; a person who leads the way.
在徒步旅行中，一位经验丰富的向导带领我们穿越了茂密的森林。
During the hike, an experienced guide led us through the dense forest.
3
to warm oneself by a fire
寒冷的冬夜里，一家人围坐在壁炉旁向火，分享着温暖与笑声。
On a cold winter night, the family gathered around the fireplace to warm themselves by the fire, sharing warmth and laughter.
4
5
established practice; custom
按照向例，会议通常在每周一下午举行。
According to previous practice, the meetings are usually held on Monday afternoons.
6
to admire and long for; to adore; to yearn for
小明一直向慕那位钢琴家的才华，梦想有一天也能像他一样在舞台上闪耀。
Xiao Ming has always admired the talent of that pianist, dreaming that one day he could also shine on stage like him.
7
towards evening; at dusk
向暮时分，小镇的灯光开始点亮，给宁静的夜晚增添了一丝温馨。
Towards dusk, the lights of the small town began to illuminate, adding a touch of warmth to the tranquil night.
8
compass
风水师用向盘测量房屋的朝向，以求最佳布局。
The feng shui master used a geomantic compass to measure the orientation of the house for the best layout.
9
10
11
sunflower, an annual plant known for its large flower heads that often turn to face the sun.
向日葵总是朝着太阳生长，充满生机。
Sunflowers always grow facing the sun, full of vitality.
12
to grow luxuriantly; to flourish; thriving
经过园丁的精心照料，花园里的花草树木都长得郁郁葱葱，一片向荣的景象。
After the careful tending of the gardener, the flowers and trees in the garden are lush and green, presenting a thriving and flourishing scene.
13
to strive for goodness
他总是在生活中努力向善，尽力帮助那些需要帮助的人。
He always strives to do good in life, trying his best to help those in need.
14
Upward or towards a higher position.
植物的根向下生长，茎则向上伸展，追逐阳光
Plant roots grow downwards, while stems stretch upwards, chasing the sunlight.
15
earlier; previously
向时，我们常在公园里散步，享受宁静的午后。
Previously, we often walked in the park, enjoying the peaceful afternoon.
16
A conjunction meaning 'if', 'suppose', 'supposing', 'in case', or 'in the event that'.
向使他能早些准备，今日的局面或许会截然不同。
If he had prepared earlier, today's situation might be entirely different.
More words with 向
- dǎo导xiàng向Guidance, Orientation
- liú刘xiàng向Liu Xiang
- qū趋xiàng向Trend, Tendency
- jìng径xiàng向In the direction of a radius.
- diào掉xiàng向lose direction, become disoriented
- xiàng向wǎng往long for, yearn for
- fāng方xiàng向direction, orientation
- nèi内xiàng向Introverted, Reserved
- pū扑xiàng向pounce on, rush towards
- shǐ驶xiàng向Head towards, Drive towards
- xiàng向nán南southward, facing south
- xiàng向xià下down, downwards
- yí一xiàng向always, all along
- zǒu走xiàng向walk towards, head towards
- chōng冲xiàng向rush towards, charge towards
- háng航xiàng向Course, Heading
- mài迈xiàng向move towards, head towards
- pǎo跑xiàng向run to, run towards
- qù去xiàng向whereabouts, destination
- xiàng向dōng东eastward, to the east
Idioms with 向
- xiàng向yú隅ér而qì泣weep alone in a corner
- bá拔dāo刀xiāng相xiàng向turn hostile and resort to violence
- bèi背gōng公xiàng向sī私put private interests above public duty
- bù不zhī知qù去xiàng向whereabouts unknown
- fèn奋fā发xiàng向shàng上strive for progress
- fèn奋yǒng勇xiàng向qián前advance bravely and vigorously
- fēng锋máng芒suǒ所xiàng向where one's efforts are directed
- gǎi改è恶xiàng向shàn善abandon evil and embrace good
- hūn昏tóu头zhuǎn转xiàng向dizzy and disoriented
- méi没piān偏méi没xiàng向fair and impartial
- mēng蒙tóu头zhuǎn转xiàng向utterly confused and disoriented
- měng懵tóu头zhuǎn转xiàng向utterly confused and bewildered
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Open the tool →Questions about 向
What does 向 mean in Chinese?
向 (xiàng) means “towards” in Chinese.
How do you pronounce 向?
向 is pronounced xiàng in Mandarin Chinese.
How many strokes does 向 have?
向 has 6 strokes.
How do you write 向?
向 is written in 6 strokes, starting from the radical 口. See the animated stroke order on this page.
What is the radical of 向?
The radical of 向 is 口.
