向け
muke
Intended for; aimed at~
This pattern indicates that something is intended for or aimed at a particular group or purpose.
How to form it
Attach to a noun directly, or to the plain form of a verb (dictionary form) followed by の (e.g., 子供向け, 大人向け, 初心者向け, 学習者向け).
What it means
向け (muke) means 'aimed at' or 'intended for'. It is used when describing a product, event, or service that is designed for a specific audience. You place it after the noun that represents the target group. For example, 子供向けの本 means 'a book intended for children'. It is often used in advertising and product descriptions.
It can also follow a verb in its dictionary form to describe an action that is directed toward a group, but this is less common. Usually, you will see it as a compound noun with the target group, followed by の when modifying another noun. In speech, you might say something like この映画は子供向けです to say 'This movie is for children.'
Be careful not to confuse 向け with 向き (muki), which has a similar meaning but is often used to describe suitability or orientation, like 'facing' or 'suited for'. 向け is more about intention or design for a target audience.
Example sentences
これは初心者向けの教科書です。
Kore wa shoshinsha muke no kyoukasho desu.
This is a textbook for beginners.
この雑誌は女性向けに作られました。
Kono zasshi wa josei muke ni tsukuraremashita.
This magazine was made for women.
あの店は外国人向けの料理を出しています。
Ano mise wa gaikokujin muke no ryouri o dashite imasu.
That restaurant serves food for foreigners.
Don’t confuse it with
向き (muki)
向け focuses on the intended target audience, while 向き can mean 'suitable for' based on personal taste or characteristics. For example, 子供向けのアニメ is an anime made for kids, whereas 子供向きのアニメ can also be used, but 向き sometimes implies that it happens to be suitable, not necessarily designed for them.
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This pattern is neutral and used in both spoken and written Japanese, but it appears frequently in advertisements, product labels, and formal descriptions.
Next in the N3 path
41Questions
What does 向け mean?
Intended for; aimed at~. This pattern indicates that something is intended for or aimed at a particular group or purpose.
How do you form 向け?
Attach to a noun directly, or to the plain form of a verb (dictionary form) followed by の (e.g., 子供向け, 大人向け, 初心者向け, 学習者向け).
Example of 向け in a sentence
これは初心者向けの教科書です。 — This is a textbook for beginners.
向き (muki) — what is the difference?
向け focuses on the intended target audience, while 向き can mean 'suitable for' based on personal taste or characteristics. For example, 子供向けのアニメ is an anime made for kids, whereas 子供向きのアニメ can also be used, but 向き sometimes implies that it happens to be suitable, not necessarily designed for them.
What JLPT level is 向け?
JLPT N3 (intermediate), number 40 of 182 in Nihoner's learning order for N3.
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