preposition / verb HSK 3
to go (toward) · toward · in the direction of · past · previous
Meaning
往 is a directional word that indicates movement or orientation toward a place or direction. As a preposition, it means 'toward' or 'in the direction of.' As a verb, it can mean 'to go' (literary/formal). It also appears in words meaning 'past' or 'previous' (往日).
Usage
往 is extremely common in directional phrases like 往前走 (go forward) or 往左拐 (turn left). It always comes before the destination or direction. In modern spoken Chinese, 往 as a standalone verb is less common than 去, but it's frequently used with other directional complements.
Examples
- 01你一直往前走就能看到银行。.If you keep going straight ahead, you'll see the bank.
- 02他每天往学校跑三次。.He runs to school three times every day.
Common collocations
- 往前走to go forward
- 往后退to move backward
- 往返round trip, back and forth
- 往往often, usually
Antonyms
Origin
The character 往 combines 彳(a person walking) with 主, creating the meaning of a person moving toward a destination or direction.