向 vs 往 (xiàng vs wǎng): which 'toward' to use
向 and 往 both mean 'toward', but 向 is more flexible, covering spatial and abstract targets (e.g., 向他学习 'learn from him'), while 往 is primarily spatial (e.g., 往前走 'go straight') but also appears in fixed abstract idioms (e.g., 往好处想 'think positively'). In spatial commands, 往 is often more natural, whereas 向 is preferred for interpersonal actions.
向 and 往 are both coverbs that introduce a direction or target, but they differ in scope. 向 can mark a physical direction (e.g., 向右边走 'walk to the right') or an abstract target (e.g., 向他道歉 'apologize to him', 向未来 'toward the future'). 往 is predominantly spatial, indicating movement toward a concrete location (e.g., 往上海去 'go to Shanghai'), but it is also used in certain fixed phrases with abstract nouns (e.g., 往好处想 'look on the bright side', 往长远看 'look to the long term'). In spatial contexts they are often interchangeable, but 往 is more common in colloquial direction commands (e.g., 往右拐 'turn right'); 向 is preferred when the target is a person in actions like learning from or apologizing to. Neither is inherently stronger in register, but 往 tends to be more casual in spatial use.
When to use each
Use 向 to indicate direction toward a target, whether physical or abstract. It is the standard choice when the target is a person in an interpersonal action, such as learning from (向他学习), apologizing to (向他道歉), or asking from (向他要). It can also be used before verbs of movement to indicate spatial direction (e.g., 向东方飞 'fly eastward'), though in casual commands 往 may be more natural. In formal writing or when the direction is abstract, 向 is common (e.g., 向未来 'toward the future').
In spatial directions, 向 is grammatically correct but often sounds more formal or literary; it is less common in everyday spoken commands like 'turn right'.
Use 往 mainly for spatial movement toward a concrete location or direction. It is the most natural choice in colloquial Mandarin for giving directions (e.g., 往前走 'go straight', 往右拐 'turn right'). It also appears in some fixed abstract idioms where the direction is figurative, such as 往好处想 'think positively', 往长远看 'look to the long term'. Unlike 向, 往 is not used to indicate a target person in interpersonal actions (e.g., 'learn from him' must use 向).
Although 往 is primarily spatial, its use in abstract expressions is idiomatic and not productive; learners should treat these as fixed phrases rather than a general rule.
At a glance
| 向 | 往 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Spatial and abstract | Primarily spatial (but with some fixed abstract idioms) |
| Abstract targets (e.g., future, ideals) | Common (向未来, 向光明) | Limited to fixed phrases (往好处想, 往长远看) |
| Person as target (interpersonal actions) | Standard (向他学习, 向他道歉) | Unacceptable for such actions |
| Spatial directions (daily commands) | Grammatically fine but more formal/less natural | Preferred in colloquial speech (往右拐) |
| Register in spatial use | More formal/literary | More casual/natural |
| Fixed abstract idioms | Less common | Found in expressions like 往好处想 |
Examples
- 向我们要向他学习。Wǒmen yào xiàng tā xuéxí.We should learn from him.向 is required here because the target is a person in an interpersonal action; 往 would be incorrect.
- 往往前走，不要停。Wǎng qián zǒu, bùyào tíng.Go forward, don't stop.Spatial command – 往 is natural and common.
- 往他也往好处想。Tā yě wǎng hǎochù xiǎng.He also looks on the bright side.Idiomatic abstract use of 往 (fixed phrase).
- 往往右拐就能看到车站。Wǎng yòu guǎi jiù néng kàn dào chēzhàn.Turn right and you'll see the station.Spatial direction command – 向 is grammatically possible (向右边拐) but less natural in everyday speech.
- 向她向老师道歉。Tā xiàng lǎoshī dàoqiàn.She apologized to the teacher.Interpersonal action with a person as target; 往 cannot be used here.
- 向他们向东方前进。Tāmen xiàng dōngfāng qiánjìn.They advanced eastward.Spatial direction in a more formal/literary context; 往 could also be used but would sound more casual.
Common mistakes
- Using 往 for 'learn from him' (向他学习) – 往 cannot mark an interpersonal target; use 向.
- Using 向 in place of 往 in common directional commands like 往右拐 – 向 is grammatically fine but sounds formal and less natural in everyday speech.
- Assuming 往 can be used for any abstract target (e.g., 往未来 'toward the future') – this is incorrect; 往 is only used in set idioms. For most abstract directions, use 向.
- Using 向 after a verb like 'go' in casual speech (e.g., 向上海去) – while not wrong, 往上海去 sounds more natural.
FAQ
- When do I use 向 vs 往 for spatial directions?
- For spatial directions, both can be used, but 往 is more common in colloquial speech (e.g., 往右拐 'turn right', 往前走 'go straight'). 向 is also correct but sounds more formal or literary (e.g., 向右边拐). In casual conversation, prefer 往.
- Can 往 be used with abstract concepts?
- Yes, but only in fixed idioms like 往好处想 'think positively', 往长远看 'look to the long term', or 往宽处想 'be broad-minded'. For most abstract targets (e.g., 'toward the future', 'toward peace'), you must use 向 (向未来, 向和平).
- Which one do I use when the target is a person, like 'apologize to someone'?
- Use 向, not 往. For example, 向他道歉 'apologize to him'. 往 cannot mark a person as a target in such interpersonal actions.
- Is there any difference in register between 向 and 往?
- In spatial contexts, 向 is more formal/literary, while 往 is neutral to casual. In abstract uses, 向 is standard and 往 is limited to idioms. Both are correct in their respective domains.