動向

• Reading: どうこう
• Romaji: doukou
• Kanji breakdown: 動 (dou) — move, motion; 向 (kou) — direction, toward
• Pronunciation: /doː.koː/

Meaning

A trend or tendency; the general direction of movement or development in a situation.

A noun used primarily in formal and analytical contexts. 市場の動向 (market trends), 業界の動向 (industry movements), and 世論の動向 (public opinion trends) are common collocations. Implies ongoing movement or change that can be observed and analysed. Slightly more formal than トレンド (trend) and emphasises the direction of change rather than a passing fashion.

Examples

1. 株式市場の動向を毎日チェックしている。 I check the stock market trends every day.
2. 消費者の動向を分析して新商品を開発した。 We analyzed consumer trends to develop a new product.
3. 政治の動向に注目が集まっている。 Attention is focused on political trends.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, politics, research

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 動 (dou, to move) + 向 (kou, direction/trend). Literally 'the direction of movement,' describing the observable direction in which things are developing or changing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional