godan verb (-ku), transitive verb, intransitive verb
turn toward; look (up/down/etc.)
Used when a person or animal turns their face or body in a particular direction. Often used with direction words like 上, 下, 右, 左.
彼は声のした方に向いた。
He turned toward the direction of the voice.
上を向いて歩こう。
Let's walk looking up.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb, intransitive verb
face (a direction); look out on; front on
Describes the orientation of buildings, windows, rooms, etc. Often used with compass directions or words like 海, 通り.
この部屋は南に向いているので、日当たりがいい。
This room faces south, so it gets a lot of sunlight.
ホテルの部屋は海に向いていた。
The hotel room looked out on the ocean.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb, intransitive verb
point (of an arrow, needle, etc.)
Used for the direction an object like an arrow, compass needle, or sign is pointing.
コンパスの針は北を向いている。
The compass needle is pointing north.
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
be suited to; be fit for
Indicates that a person is suited to a role, job, or task. Often used in the pattern ～に向いている.
彼は教師に向いていると思う。
I think he is suited to being a teacher.
この仕事は私には向いていない。
This job isn't for me.
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
turn to (interests, feelings); be inclined (to do)
Describes a shift in one's interests, feelings, or attention toward something. Often used with nouns like 気, 心, 注意.
最近、彼の興味は音楽に向いている。
Lately, his interests have turned to music.
気が向いたら、遊びに来てください。
Please come visit when you feel like it.