Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 9: 4/22

向(む)けIntended for, Aimed at

Structure

Noun + 向(む)け（に）
Noun + 向け + の + Noun

Details

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About 向け

向(む)け is a shortened form of the transitive verb 向(む)ける 'to aim at', and is considered to be a 造語(ぞうご) (neologism). This means a word that was created for a specific purpose, and may not necessarily be used for anything outside of that purpose. The purpose of 向(む)け is to attach to other nouns, in order to express that something is 'intended for (A)', 'aimed at (A)', or 'oriented toward (A)'.

向(む)け may be seen followed by the case marking particle に (when followed by a phrase), or the case marking particle の, when linked with another noun.

In terms of products and similar items, although 向(む)け highlights that something has been intended for (A), it doesn't necessarily mean that it is limited to (A).

Caution

向(む)け, coming from the transitive verb 向(む)ける is used far more often to express that something has been specifically designed for (A). On the other hand, the suffix stemming from the intransitive verb 向(む)く, (向(む)き), expresses something that faces toward (A), but perhaps not intentionally.

  • そのおもちゃは猫(ねこ)向(む)けに作(つく)られている。
    That toy is made for cats.
  • 上級者(じょうきゅうしゃ)向(む)きの本(ほん)は難(むずか)しいです。
    Books suitable for advanced learners are hard.

Examples

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    この番組(ばんぐみ)は大人(おとな)向(む)けだ。

    This TV program is aimed at adults.

    これは女性(じょせい)向(む)けの服(ふく)だから、僕(ぼく)には着(き)れない。

    These clothes are intended for women so I can't wear them.

    Xというライトノベルは子供(こども)向(む)けに書(か)かれたんだ。

    The light novel called X was written for children.

    このアプリは学生(がくせい)向(む)けだが、誰(だれ)でも使用(しよう)できる。

    This app is intended for students, but anyone can use it.

    これは海外(かいがい)向(む)けの番組(ばんぐみ)だから、何(なに)を言(い)っているのか全然(ぜんぜん)分(わ)からない。

    This is a TV program aimed at foreigners, so I have no idea what is being said.

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向け – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (2 in total)

  • megatron0000

    megatron0000

    I would like to inform that the “Community Discussion” link on the grammar page is not redirecting to here !

    Also, I found this link to be helpful at making sure I understood the difference (although maybe minimal) between 向け and 向き. Would it be desirable to have it listed among the “Readings” ?

  • mrnoone

    mrnoone

    Hey

    I would like to inform that the “Community Discussion” link on the grammar page is not redirecting to here !

    Fixed！

    Also, I found this link to be helpful at making sure I understood the difference (although maybe minimal) between 向け and 向き. Would it be desirable to have it listed among the “Readings” ?

    I have added it, very good explanation

    Thank you!

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