向き・
向き judges something to be practically suitable for a particular person, group, purpose, or situation. The judgment is normally supported by features such as difficulty, size, durability, pace, or price.
What the noun identifies
The noun immediately before 向き identifies the person, group, purpose, or situation used as the standard of suitability. The rest of the sentence identifies the item being judged and often gives a concrete reason for the judgment.
Suitability for a person
この軽いノートパソコンは、毎日持ち歩く人向きだ。重さは一キロしかない。
This lightweight laptop is suitable for people who carry one around every day. It weighs only one kilogram.
AnalyzePositive and negative judgments
A suitability judgment is clearer and more natural when the sentence gives the feature on which it is based.
Intended audience versus actual suitability
向け identifies the audience or market something was intentionally made for. 向き evaluates who or what it actually suits. The intended audience and the practical fit may therefore be different.
この英語教材は子ども向けだが、説明が難しく、実際には上級者向きだ。
This English material is intended for children, but its explanations are difficult, so in practice it suits advanced learners.
AnalyzeThe first suffix states the intended audience; the target suffix judges practical suitability from the difficulty of the explanations.
More examples
この辞書は基本語の例文が多いので、初めて日本語を学ぶ人向きだ。
This dictionary has many example sentences using basic words, so it is suitable for people learning Japanese for the first time.
Analyze丈夫で防水性が高いので、この時計は屋外作業向きだ。
Because it is durable and highly water-resistant, this watch is well suited to outdoor work.
Analyze電源コンセントが多くて静かなので、このカフェは長時間の勉強向きだ。
Because this café is quiet and has plenty of power outlets, it is suitable for long study sessions.
Analyze激しい場面が多いので、この映画は小さな子ども向きではない。
Because it has many intense scenes, this film is not suitable for young children.
Analyze十五分で作れるこの料理は、忙しい平日の夕食向きだ。
This dish, which can be made in fifteen minutes, is well suited to dinner on a busy weekday.
Analyzeこの軽い靴は底が薄く、長距離走より室内での軽い運動向きだ。
These lightweight shoes have thin soles, so they are better suited to light indoor exercise than to long-distance running.
Analyze