Meaning
前往 is a formal verb meaning to go to or proceed to a destination. It is more formal and literary than the everyday word 去 (qù). This word emphasizes purposeful movement toward a specific location and is commonly used in official announcements, news reports, written instructions, and formal speech.
Usage
前往 appears frequently in formal contexts such as airport announcements, news broadcasts, written directions, and official communications. It is less common in casual everyday conversation, where 去 would be preferred. Native speakers use it when they want to sound more professional or when writing formal documents.
Examples
- 01乘客请前往三号登机口登机。.Passengers, please proceed to gate number 3 for boarding.
- 02他明天将前往北京参加会议。.He will go to Beijing tomorrow to attend a meeting.
Characters
Common collocations
- 前往机场to proceed to the airport
- 前往目的地to head for the destination
- 立即前往to proceed immediately
- 前往现场to go to the scene
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 前 (forward/ahead) with 往 (to go/toward), literally meaning 'to go forward toward' a destination. Both characters have been used in classical Chinese to indicate direction and movement.