向(む)き

むき
noun, suffix
direction; suited for
direction
1. direction, orientation, facing
The direction something faces or is oriented toward.
風(かぜ)の向(む)きが変(か)わった。
The direction of the wind changed.
ベッドの向(む)きを変(か)えてみた。
I tried changing the direction of the bed.
この部屋(へや)は南(みなみ)向(む)きで日当(ひあ)たりがいい。
This room faces south and gets good sunlight.
2. suited for, intended for, appropriate for
Used as a suffix after a noun to indicate suitability or target audience. Common in product descriptions and recommendations.
初心者(しょしんしゃ)向(む)きの本(ほん)です。
This is a book suited for beginners.
子供(こども)向(む)きの番組(ばんぐみ)を見(み)ている。
I'm watching a program aimed at children.
この料理(りょうり)は辛(から)いものが好(す)きな人(ひと)向(む)きだ。
This dish is suited for people who like spicy food.

Usage

Sense 1 is a standalone noun meaning direction or orientation. Often combined with compass directions: 南(みなみ)向(む)き (south-facing), 北(きた)向(む)き (north-facing).

Sense 2 functions as a suffix meaning "suited for" or "aimed at," attached directly to a noun: 初心者(しょしんしゃ)向(む)き (for beginners), 大人(おとな)向(む)き (for adults). Similar to 向(む)け but 向(む)き emphasizes inherent suitability while 向(む)け emphasizes intentional targeting.

Common collocations

Related Words

Antonym: 不向(ふむ)き (unsuited for)
Compare: 向(む)け (aimed at, intended for (targeting))
Compare: 方角(ほうがく) (direction)
general
Added 2026.2.19 22:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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