定向

• Pinyin: dìng xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 定 = 宀 + 正 (to fix, determine); 向 = 宀 + 口 (direction — originally a window indicating the direction one faces)

Meaning

To orient towards a specific direction or target; directional; targeted. Describes actions, training, or resources deliberately aimed at a particular audience, goal, or field.

Commonly used in education (定向培养 — targeted training), finance (定向发行 — targeted bond issuance), and policy (定向扶持 — targeted support). Implies precise, purposeful allocation rather than broad or general distribution.

Examples

1. 该项目通过定向招募，专门吸引农村地区的优秀应届毕业生加入基层服务。 Through targeted recruitment, the program specifically attracts outstanding new graduates from rural areas to join grassroots public service.
2. 央行推出定向降准措施，将新增流动性精准引导至小微企业和农业领域。 The central bank introduced a targeted reserve requirement cut, precisely channeling new liquidity to small and micro businesses and the agricultural sector.
3. 大学的定向培养计划多年来为偏远地区输送了大批实用型技术骨干人才。 For many years, the university’s targeted training program has sent a large number of practical technical backbone talents to remote areas.

Usage Guide

Context: education, finance, policy, recruitment, professional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 政府推出定向补贴政策，专门支持新能源汽车的研发与量产推广。(The government has introduced a targeted subsidy policy specifically to support the research, development, and mass production of new-energy vehicles.)
• 学院为欠发达地区开设了定向奖学金项目，鼓励优秀学生学成后返乡服务。(The college has set up a targeted scholarship programme for underdeveloped regions, encouraging outstanding students to return and serve their home communities after graduation.)

Don't Say

• 他定向走向门口 — use 他径直走向门口 for physical direction; 定向 is a compound adjective/verb for targeted programmes and orientated systems, not physical walking direction

Origin & History

定 (fix/settle) + 向 (direction)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal