向ける

• Reading: むける
• Romaji: mukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 向 (kō/mu) — face, turn toward, direction
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To turn towards; to point; to direct. Used for aiming or directing something at a target.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. The transitive counterpart to 向く (to face). Used for pointing a camera (カメラを向ける), directing attention (注目を向ける), and facing something toward a direction. Also used figuratively for directing feelings or efforts toward someone or something.

Examples

1. カメラをこちらに向けないでください。 Please don't point the camera this way.
2. 彼女は新しい目標に向けて努力している。 She is working hard toward her new goal.
3. 先生が生徒に厳しい目を向けた。 The teacher gave the students a stern look.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, photography, goals

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from 向く (to face) by adding the ichidan ending -ける, creating the transitive form. The kanji 向 depicts a building with a window facing one direction.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal