倾向
qīngxiàng · HSK 6
tendency
📐 qīng (lean/tilt) + xiàng (toward) = tilting toward something
When something tilts, it leans in one direction. A tendency is exactly that — a lean or inclination toward a particular outcome. The character 倾 means to tilt or incline, and 向 means toward or direction.
向 — roof 宀 + mouth 口
Originally a pictograph of a house with a north-facing window, showing an opening in a wall under a roof. The early meaning was 'north window,' which extended to 'the direction something faces,' then broadly to 'toward' or 'direction.' The modern shape simplified the window into 口.