Translation and Meaning of: 向く - muku

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 向く (muku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: muku

Kana: むく

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n3

向く

Translation / Meaning: to stare

Meaning in English: to face

Definition: Turn your body in a specific direction.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (向く) muku

Etymology and Definition of 「向く」 (muku)

The word 「向く」 (muku) is a Japanese verb that essentially means "to turn towards" or "to be facing" something. The kanji writing 「向」 incorporates the sense of direction or orientation. Originally, in Chinese characters, 「向」 had the meaning of "ventilation" or "exposure," indicating the idea of moving towards something. This kanji is composed of the radical 「口」 (kuchi) which means "mouth" or "opening" and the upper part 「ノ」, which can symbolize orientation or direction.

In modern Japanese, 「向く」 is used to describe both physical and symbolic actions of direction. Physically, it can refer to the act of turning or orienting a surface or part of the body towards a certain direction. Symbolically, it can indicate an inclination or predisposition of attitude or interest. For example, a person may "muku" towards a specific career or show an interest in a particular activity.

Usage and Variations of 「向く」

The word 「向く」 has several conjugations that change its meaning. Among the most common forms are:

「向ける」 (mukeru): Means "to turn" or "to direct something towards." Used when the action is caused by someone or something.
「向かう」 (mukau): It means "to head towards" or "to move in the direction of", often functioning transitively.
「向こう」 (mukou): Referred to in geographic contexts or as a point of reference, translating to "the other side" or "ahead."

It's fascinating to observe how the word 「向く」 and its variations are widely used in everyday Japanese. They not only indicate directions and spatial orientations but also reflect mental and emotional attitudes. For example, someone might say they are leaning towards a new idea or approaching a situation from a new perspective, using variations of the word.

Verbal conjugation of 向く

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 向く (muku)

向く - base form
向かない - negative
向いている - present continuous
向いた - simple past
向かれ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

向ける (mukeru) - To direct, to do something for someone.
向かう (mukau) - Go towards, move to.
向く (muku) - Turn towards, be directed at.
向こう (mukou) - Opposite side, beyond, the other side.
向け向く (muke muku) - Direct and orient; combination of the two verbs.
向き合う (mukiau) - Face each other, confront.
向け合う (mukeau) - To direct oneself to one another; similar to "mukiau," but emphasizes the direction.
向く先 (muku saki) - Direction one is turning; the objective to which the gaze is turned.
向く方向 (muku houkou) - Direction in which one is pointing or turning.
向く場所 (muku basho) - The place you are heading to or returning to.
向く時間 (muku jikan) - The time dedicated to something; the moment that is focused on.
向く気分 (muku kibun) - Emotional state or disposition for something; how one is feeling about it.
向く性格 (muku seikaku) - Characteristics or traits of personality that are oriented towards.
向く姿勢 (muku shisei) - Attitude or stance that points to; how one positions themselves in relation to something.
向く態度 (muku taido) - Attitude taken towards something; the way of looking at it.
向く目的 (muku mokuteki) - Objectives or purposes being sought; what is intended to be achieved.
向く条件 (muku jouken) - Conditions that must be met to address something.
向く状況 (muku joukyou) - Situations that require specific guidance.
向く人物 (muku jinbutsu) - Person focused on; who has their characteristics geared towards.
向く仕事 (muku shigoto) - Work or occupation that one seeks or feels inclined towards.
向く能力 (muku nouryoku) - Skills that are oriented towards; capabilities aimed at a specific direction.
向く教育 (muku kyouiku) - Training or education that is directed towards; teaching focused on something.
向く訓練 (muku kunren) - Training oriented towards; practices carried out with a specific purpose.
向く環境 (muku kankyou) - Environment that favors or adapts to a direction.
向く方法 (muku houhou) - Methods used to achieve an end.
向く道具 (muku dougu) - Tools or instruments that help in providing direction.
向く技術 (muku gijutsu) - Techniques that focus on a specific purpose.
向く知識 (muku chishiki) - Knowledge that applies or is relevant for guidance.
向く経験 (muku keiken) - Experiences that influence orientation in a specific context.