Translation guide
Expresses movement in the direction of a destination or target. Japanese uses verbs like 向かう (mukau) for heading toward a place, or 近づく (chikazuku) for approaching. The particle へ (e) or に (ni) marks the direction.
Moving in the direction of a physical location or destination.
The most common verb for 'go towards' or 'head for' a place. Often used with へ or に.
駅に向かっています。
I'm heading towards the station.
彼は出口へ向かった。
He went towards the exit.
Means 'approach' or 'get closer to'. Focuses on reducing distance rather than just direction.
船が港に近づいている。
The ship is approaching the port.
Literally 'go in the direction of ~'. Casual and natural for vague directions.
あっちの方へ行こう。
Let's go that way.
Physically approaching a person, animal, or specific object.
To approach someone or something, often with a nuance of getting close intentionally.
犬が私に近寄ってきた。
The dog came towards me.
To walk up to someone, often used figuratively for compromise. Somewhat literary.
Figurative movement toward an abstract target, like a goal, deadline, or condition.
Also used figuratively for heading toward a goal or state.
景気は回復に向かっている。
The economy is heading towards recovery.
Approaching a deadline, goal, or state.
締め切りに近づいている。
We're getting close to the deadline.
Both へ (e) and に (ni) mark direction with verbs like 向かう. へ emphasizes the direction itself, while に emphasizes the destination point. In many cases they are interchangeable, but へ sounds slightly more directional.
彼は笑顔で歩み寄った。
He walked towards me with a smile.