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JLPT N2Expressions

～向き— Suited Toward

Attaches to a noun to mean 'suited to / appropriate for' a group or purpose, or literally 'facing' a direction. As a suffix it indicates something is well-matched to a certain audience or orientation, often as a natural fit rather than a deliberate design.

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Pro lessonUNIT 54 · EXPRESSIONS

Structure · 形

[Noun] + 向き

Examples · 例文

  • この本は初心者向きだ。

    Kono hon wa shoshinsha muki da.

    This book is well suited to beginners.

    向き shows the book is a natural fit for beginners.

  • 南向きの部屋は日当たりがいい。

    Minamimuki no heya wa hiatari ga ii.

    A south-facing room gets good sunlight.

    向き here means the literal direction the room faces.

  • この料理は子供向きの味付けになっている。

    Kono ryōri wa kodomomuki no ajitsuke ni natte iru.

    This dish is seasoned in a way suited to children.

    向き indicates the seasoning naturally suits children's tastes.

Usage notes · 注意

  • Register: neutral, everyday.
  • 向き = 'naturally suited to' or 'facing'; often about a good fit, not intentional design.
  • Contrast 向け, which means 'made/intended for' a target.

Commonly confused with

The JLPT rarely asks whether you recognise a pattern — it asks which of several similar patterns fits. These are the ones ～向き is tested against.

vs～向け

向け means deliberately made or intended for a target (子供向けの番組 = a program produced for children); 向き means naturally suited to or facing (子供向き = happens to suit children).

vs～用

用 means 'for the use/purpose of' (business 用 = for business use); 向き describes suitability or orientation, not designated use.

More expressions

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