向かい

• Reading: むかい
• Romaji: mukai
• Kanji breakdown: 向 (mu/kou) — direction, face toward
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.ka.i/

Meaning

Facing; opposite side; across from. The position directly across from something.

A noun derived from the verb 向かう (to face, to head toward). Used to describe the location directly across from a reference point. Common in phrases like 向かいの家 (the house across the street) and 向かい合う (to face each other). Often used when giving directions or describing locations.

Examples

1. 駅の向かいにコンビニがある。 There's a convenience store across from the station.
2. 向かいの席に座っている人を知っていますか。 Do you know the person sitting across from you?
3. 学校の向かいに新しい公園ができた。 A new park was built across from the school.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, locations, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from 向かう (to face toward), which comes from the kanji 向 (direction, facing). The い ending nominalizes the verb, creating a noun meaning 'the facing side.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal