verb / noun HSK 4
zǒu xiàng
to walk toward · to head for · direction · trend · tendency

Meaning

走向 literally means 'to walk toward' and can describe physical movement in a direction. More commonly, it's used figuratively to describe trends, tendencies, or the direction something is developing. As a noun, it refers to the general direction or orientation of something.

Usage

Frequently used in formal or written contexts to discuss development trends, future directions, or strategic movements. Common in news reports, academic writing, and business contexts when discussing where things are heading. Can be used both literally (walking toward a place) and metaphorically (heading toward a future state).

Examples

  1. 01
    中国企业正在走向国际市场。
    Zhōngguó qǐyè zhèngzài zǒu xiàng guójì shìchǎng.
    Chinese companies are entering international markets.
  2. 02
    我们需要分析经济的走向
    Wǒmen xūyào fēnxī jīngjì de zǒu xiàng.
    We need to analyze the trend of the economy.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 走向成功
    zǒu xiàng chéng gōng
    to head toward success
  • 走向未来
    zǒu xiàng wèi lái
    to head toward the future
  • 走向世界
    zǒu xiàng shì jiè
    to go global, to enter the world stage
  • 发展走向
    zhǎn zǒu xiàng
    development trend/direction

Antonyms

Origin

Compound of 走 (to walk/go) and 向 (toward/direction), creating a straightforward meaning of moving in a direction. Extended metaphorically to mean directional trends.

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