朝着

• Pinyin: cháo zhe
• Hanzi breakdown: 朝 = directional meaning 'toward'; 着 = aspect particle

Meaning

Toward; facing; in the direction of. A preposition indicating direction or orientation.

Used to indicate physical direction or metaphorical direction (toward a goal). Very common in both literal and figurative contexts. Similar to 向着 but slightly more formal.

Examples

1. 他朝着山顶的方向继续攀登。 He continued climbing toward the summit.
2. 我们要朝着共同的目标努力。 We must work toward our common goal.
3. 她朝着我微笑了一下。 She smiled at me.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, direction, goals

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 朝着你的梦想前进吧！(Keep moving toward your dreams!)
• 请朝着出口方向走。(Please walk toward the exit.)

Don't Say

• 我朝着睡觉 (朝着 indicates direction, not an activity — you can't 'face toward sleeping')

Origin & History

Compound of 朝 (toward, facing) and 着 (aspect marker indicating ongoing action). 朝 here is a directional verb/preposition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal