向前

• Pinyin: xiàng qián
• Hanzi breakdown: 向 = 宀 (roof) + 口 (mouth), meaning toward; 前 = 止 (foot) + 舟 (boat), meaning front

Meaning

Forward; onward; ahead. Indicates movement or direction toward the front.

Used both literally for physical movement and figuratively for progress or advancement. Common in phrases like 向前走 (walk forward), 向前看 (look forward), and 向前发展 (develop forward). Often used in motivational contexts.

Examples

1. 不管遇到什么困难，都要向前走。 No matter what difficulties you encounter, keep moving forward.
2. 向前看，别总是回头看过去。 Look forward, don't always look back at the past.
3. 部队向前推进了五公里。 The troops advanced five kilometers forward.

Usage Guide

Context: direction, motivation

Tone: encouraging

Do Say

• 向前一步，别害怕。(Take a step forward, don't be afraid.)
• 我们要向前看，不要纠结过去。(We should look forward, not dwell on the past.)

Don't Say

• 向前面走 (Redundant — 向前走 is sufficient; adding 面 sounds unnatural)

Origin & History

Compound of 向 (toward) and 前 (front), indicating direction toward the front.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal