に向かって
🃏 Flashcard
に向かって
ni mukatte
Tap to reveal usage
to face; to go towards; to head to
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
ni mukatte
Post ID
51092
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
to face; to go towards; to head to
📖 How to use it
Indicates direction or facing toward something, or directing effort/words at a target.
Attaches to
Attach to a noun (place, person, object) directly: noun + に向かって. No particles between.
This pattern marks the target or direction of movement, facing, or action. When used with verbs of motion like 行く, 走る, 飛ぶ, it means heading toward that place. With verbs like 言う, 謝る, 手を振る, it means directing your words or actions at someone. It can also describe facing a physical direction or object (e.g., a window, a wall).
駅に向かって歩いている。
Eki ni mukatte aruite iru.
I am walking toward the station.
彼は私に向かって笑った。
Kare wa watashi ni mukatte waratta.
He smiled at me.
敵に向かって進め！
Teki ni mukatte susume!
Advance toward the enemy!
Not に向けて (ni mukete)
に向かって focuses on the direction or target itself (facing, moving toward, addressing). に向けて focuses on preparation or aiming for a goal or time point, often with a sense of intention (e.g., 試験に向けて勉強する = study toward the exam).
Register
Common in both spoken and written Japanese; neutral formality.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
に向かって
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat に向かって three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using に向かって. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern に向かって mean?
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To face; to go towards; to head to
What JLPT level is に向かって?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use に向かって in a sentence?
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Attach に向かって (ni mukatte) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is に向かって formal or casual Japanese?
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に向かって is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember に向かって long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.