向

Toward

Level 3Sounds Like hoeng3

向 (hoeng3) functions like the English words 'toward', 'facing', or 'to/from' depending on the context. It is placed before the verb to show where an action is aimed.

How It Works

向 (hoeng3) is a versatile tool in Cantonese grammar. While it often translates to 'toward', its usage spans several categories:

  • Physical Direction: Used with verbs of motion to show the vector of movement.
    Example: 向前行 (hoeng3 cin4 haang4) - 'Walk forward'.
  • Static Orientation: Used to describe which way a building or object faces.
    Example: 向海 (hoeng3 hoi2) - 'Facing the sea'.
  • Interpersonal Target: Used to indicate the person an action is directed toward, such as apologizing or explaining. Note that in casual speech, 同 (tung4) is often preferred over 向 (hoeng3) for people.
  • Source of Information/Items: With verbs like 'borrow' or 'learn', it indicates the person you are getting something from.

Word Order Note: Unlike English, where 'toward' phrases often come after the verb, in Cantonese, the 向 (hoeng3) phrase normally comes before the main verb.

Examples (4)

  1. 架車向左轉咗。

    The car turned toward the left.

    Word by Word: CL car toward left turn [perfective].

    Here, 向 (hoeng3) indicates the direction of the turn. The aspect marker 咗 (zo2) follows the verb 轉 (zyun3).

  2. 呢個窗向南。

    This window faces south.

    Word by Word: This CL window face south.

    In this context, 向 (hoeng3) acts as the main verb meaning 'to face' or 'to orient toward'.

  3. 你要向佢道歉。

    You need to apologize to him.

    Word by Word: You need toward him apologize.

    Using 向 (hoeng3) with people sounds slightly more formal or deliberate than using 同 (tung4).

  4. 我向老師請教。

    I seek advice from the teacher.

    Word by Word: I toward teacher seek-advice.

    With verbs of seeking or learning, 向 (hoeng3) indicates the source (the teacher) toward whom the request is aimed.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting the 向 phrase after the verb in a spoken sentence.

    Different Meaning我行向地鐵站。
    我向地鐵站行。

    行向地鐵站 is understood and reads like written style ('head toward the station'). In everyday speech, the 向 phrase usually comes before the verb: 我向地鐵站行.

  • Using 向 for plain 'tell / talk to' when 同 is more usual.

    Different Meaning我向你講。
    我同你講。

    我向你講 is understandable, but for simple talking to someone, speakers usually say 同 (tung4). 向 (hoeng3) sounds more formal or written.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

向Level 3Toward

Learn This First

To use '向' (toward) correctly, you need to understand the Cantonese 'coverb' structure, where the direction or setting is placed before the main action. It also helps to be familiar with basic demonstratives used to indicate specific directions or locations.

Words in This Pattern

向