向 (xiàng) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 向 (xiàng) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 向 (xiàng) means "towards; to; direction". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 口.

Q: How do you write 向 stroke by stroke?

向 has 6 strokes. The radical is 口. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 向 and 卟?

向 (xiàng) and 卟 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 向?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 口. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 向?

Common words containing 向 include: 方向 (fāng xiàng) — direction; 向前 (xiàng qián) — forward; 向往 (xiàng wǎng) — to yearn for; long for.

How to Write 向

The character 向 (xiàng) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 口 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

向 is pronounced xiàng in Mandarin Chinese. It means towards; to; direction.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 向 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 向

方向 fāng xiàng

direction

向前 xiàng qián

forward

向往 xiàng wǎng

to yearn for; long for

Example Sentences

这里的方向很难找。

zhè lǐ de fāng xiàng hěn nán zhǎo

The directions here are hard to find.

请一直向前走。

qǐng yì zhí xiàng qián zǒu

Please go straight ahead.

我向往北京的生活。

wǒ xiàng wǎng běi jīng de shēng huó

I yearn for life in Beijing.

Similar Characters

卟 bǔ

古 gǔ

句 gōu

Practice Writing 向 (xiàng)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 向 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 向

What does 向 (xiàng) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 向 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 向 and 卟?

What mistakes do learners make writing 向?

What common words use 向?

How to Write 向 (xiàng)