前往

• Pinyin: qián wǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 前 = 止 (foot) + 刂 (knife), meaning forward; 往 = 彳 (step) + 主 (master, phonetic), meaning to go toward

Meaning

To head to; to proceed to; to go to. A formal way of expressing travel to a destination.

A more formal and written alternative to 去 (go). Commonly seen in news reports, travel announcements, and official documents. Rarely used in casual conversation among friends — sounds too stiff for everyday chat. Often appears in airport or train station announcements.

Examples

1. 旅客们正在前往机场的路上。 The passengers are on their way to the airport.
2. 请前往三号登机口办理登机手续。 Please proceed to Gate 3 for boarding.
3. 代表团明天将前往上海参加会议。 The delegation will head to Shanghai tomorrow to attend a conference.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, announcements, news

Tone: official

Do Say

• 我们即将前往下一个目的地。(We are about to head to the next destination.)
• 请尽快前往指定地点集合。(Please proceed to the designated location to assemble as soon as possible.)

Don't Say

• 我前往超市买点东西。(Don't use 前往 for casual errands — it sounds too formal. Say 去超市 instead.)

Origin & History

前 means forward or ahead; 往 means to go toward. Together they describe purposeful travel in a forward direction toward a destination.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal