to face; toward (向北,向背); (preposition) toward; in the direction of (向前看); a direction (风向,志向); (adverb) always; from the start (向来,一向)
向 is direction: 方向 'direction', 向前 'forward', 向来 'always'.
GF0025–2021 character list · 二级WHOLE GLYPH & STRUCTURE
ZDIC: 会意，从宀、从口 — but the modern top writes a small slash over an open frame, not a 宀 roof; the roof claim is not projected onto the modern shape.
WHOLE CHARACTER
to face; toward (向北,向背); (preposition) toward; in the direction of (向前看); a direction (风向,志向); (adverb) always; from the start (向来,一向)
向 is direction: 方向 'direction', 向前 'forward', 向来 'always'.
ZDIC: 会意，从宀、从口 — but the modern top writes a small slash over an open frame, not a 宀 roof; the roof claim is not projected onto the modern shape.
TOP: THE SMALL SLASH OVER THE FRAME
Notice this part of the shape; it is not taught as a separate word in this lesson.
In 向: top: the small slash over the frame Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.
OUTER FRAME: THE OPEN FRAME
a wide frame (radical)
The frame radical; a bound form, not a standalone page.
In 向: outer frame: the open frame A bound frame piece; the old account named 宀 here.
INSIDE: THE MOUTH (ZDIC 从口)
mouth; opening
Mouth/speech/opening clue; may also be a repeated visual element.
In 向: inside: the mouth (ZDIC 从口) Shown with its documented or clearly limited role.
Checking for a Mandarin voice…