1.
direction of travel; direction of movement
The direction in which something is moving or proceeding. Most commonly used for trains, vehicles, and other forms of transportation. Frequently seen on signs and in announcements.
進行方向に向かって右側です。
It's on the right side in the direction of travel.
電車の進行方向に向かって座りたい。
I want to sit facing the direction the train is moving.
台風の進行方向が変わり、関東に直撃する可能性が出てきた。
The typhoon's direction of travel changed, raising the possibility of a direct hit on the Kanto region.
USAGE:
A compound noun formed from 進行 (progress, movement) + 方向 (direction). Very common in train travel — passengers often choose seats based on 進行方向 (forward-facing) versus 逆方向 (backward-facing). Also used in weather reports for typhoons and weather fronts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 進行方向に向かって (facing the direction of travel)
- 進行方向右側/左側 (right/left side in the direction of travel)
- 進行方向が変わる (the direction of travel changes)
- 進行方向と逆 (opposite to the direction of travel)