1.
direction, orientation, facing
The direction something faces or is oriented toward.
風の向きが変わった。
The direction of the wind changed.
ベッドの向きを変えてみた。
I tried changing the direction of the bed.
この部屋は南向きで日当たりがいい。
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.
初心者向きの本です。
This is a book suited for beginners.
子供向きの番組を見ている。
I'm watching a program aimed at children.
この料理は辛いものが好きな人向きだ。
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: 南向き (south-facing), 北向き (north-facing).
Sense 2 functions as a suffix meaning "suited for" or "aimed at," attached directly to a noun: 初心者向き (for beginners), 大人向き (for adults). Similar to 向け but 向き emphasizes inherent suitability while 向け emphasizes intentional targeting.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 南向き: south-facing
- 初心者向き: suited for beginners
- 子供向き: suited for children
- 風の向き: wind direction