向く

• Reading: むく
• Romaji: muku
• Kanji breakdown: 向 (kō/mu) — face, turn toward, direction
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To face; to turn toward; to be suited for. Used for facing a direction or being appropriate for something.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the く row. Has two main uses: physically facing a direction (北を向く = face north), and being suitable for something (子供に向く = suitable for children). The intransitive counterpart to 向ける (to direct toward). Common in daily conversation for both literal and figurative turning.

Examples

1. こちらを向いてください、写真を撮ります。 Please face this way — I'm going to take a photo.
2. この仕事は細かい作業が好きな人に向いている。 This job is well suited for people who like detailed work.
3. 窓が南を向いているので部屋が明るい。 The window faces south, so the room is bright.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 向 depicts a building with a window opening in one direction. The fundamental meaning of facing or orienting toward something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal