向こう

むこう
Alternative writings: 向う
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

The opposite side; the other side (e.g., across the street or opposite side of something).

Noun

Examples

向こうの建物が工事中で音がうるさい。

The building on the other side is under construction and it's noisy.

あの橋の向こうに公園がある。

There is a park on the other side of that bridge.

向こう側の席に友達が座っていた。

My friend was sitting on the opposite seat.

2

Over there; ahead; beyond; somewhere in the distance — referring to a place away from the speaker (e.g., 'over there').

Noun

Examples

向こうに見える山は富士山だ。

The mountain you can see over there is Mount Fuji.

向こうで待っているから先に行ってください。

I'll be waiting over there, so please go ahead.

向こうは天気が悪いらしい。

It seems the weather is bad over there.

3

A destination or place (often distant or abroad); 'there' as a destination (e.g., 'going over there').

Noun

Examples

来年は向こうへ留学する予定です。

I plan to study abroad over there next year.

向こうの支店に商品を送ってください。

Please send the goods to the branch over there.

向こうでの生活に慣れるのに時間がかかった。

It took time to get used to life over there.

4

The other party; the person or side opposite (used in conversations or negotiations to mean 'the other side').

Noun

Examples

向こうと条件について話し合いを始めた。

We started talks with the other side about the conditions.

向こうの反応を見てから決めよう。

Let's decide after seeing how the other side reacts.

向こうの担当者と連絡を取ってください。

Please contact the person in charge on the other side.

5

Used to indicate 'from now on' or 'for the coming (period)' (e.g., 'for the next two weeks').

Noun

Examples

向こう三日間は出張で不在です。

I'll be away on a business trip for the next three days.

向こう一週間は天気が続くらしい。

It seems the weather will continue like this for the next week.

向こう半年は忙しくなりそうだ。

The next half year is likely to be busy.