向前
xiàng qián · HSK 5
forward
➡️ 向 = toward + 前 = front; toward the front = forward
向 means 'toward/facing' and 前 means 'front/before'. Together they literally read as 'toward the front', which extends to 'forward' or 'onward' in both physical motion and figurative progress.
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.
前 — top 丷 + 一 + 月 (moon) + 刂 (knife)
Originally written 歬, depicting a foot 止 above a boat 舟, meaning to advance or go forward. Over time the form evolved and the knife radical 刂 was added, while 止 and 舟 fused into the modern shape. The core meaning 'front, before, ahead' has stayed consistent.