向け
Intended for, Aimed at
Structure
Noun + 向け + の + Noun
Explanation
向け originates from the transitive verb 向ける, which means 'to direct something at'. It is what's known as a 造語, a term coined for a specific function. In this case, 向け attaches to nouns to show that an item or service is 'made for (A)', 'targeted at (A)', or 'designed for (A)'.
When used in a sentence, 向け is typically followed by the case marking particle に to connect it to a verb or phrase, or the case marking particle の to connect it to another noun.
- そのソフトは初心者向けに設計されている。This software is designed for beginners.
- 海外向けに作られたテレビ番組を見てみたらどうですか。How about trying to watch a TV show made for an international audience?
- 家族向けの車を３台借りるとしたらいくらですか。If we were to rent three cars for family use, how much would it be?
- これは専門家向けの記事だから、あなたには難しすぎるだろう。This article is aimed at experts, so it's probably too difficult for you.
When describing products or services, 向け signifies that something is designed with a specific user in mind, but this does not imply that it can only be used by that particular group.
- この車は家族向けのモデルだけれども、一人で乗っても快適だよ。This car model is aimed at families, but it's perfectly comfortable even if you're driving alone.
Caution
The suffix 向け, derived from the transitive verb 向ける, strongly implies that something was intentionally created for a specific target. In contrast, 向き, which comes from the intransitive verb 向く, suggests something is 'suitable for' or 'a good fit for' a purpose, without the same emphasis on intentional design.
- このアプリは学生向けに開発された。This app was developed for students.
- 夏向きの服は涼しい素材でできている。Clothes suitable for summer are made of light, cool materials.
Examples
このスマートフォンは高齢者向けに作られている。
This smartphone is made for senior citizens.
これは男性向けの雑誌なので、私は興味がない。
This is a magazine for men, so I'm not interested in it.
このクラスは上級者向けだから、内容がとても難しい。
This class is aimed at advanced students, so the content is very difficult.
これは幼児向けのおもちゃで、安全に遊べるように設計されている。
This is a toy for toddlers, and it's designed so they can play with it safely.
あのレストランは家族向けで、子供用のメニューもある。
That restaurant is geared towards families; they even have a kids' menu.
駅で旅行者向けの無料の地図をもらった。
I got a free map at the station that's intended for tourists.
このファッションブランドは、主に若い女性向けの商品を扱っている。
This fashion brand mainly carries products aimed at young women.
この製品は国内向けに開発されたが、海外でも人気が出た。
This product was developed for the domestic market, but it also became popular overseas.
このサービスは外国人向けなので、英語のサポートがある。
This service is intended for foreigners, so English support is available.
このホテルはビジネスマン向けで、会議室やWi-Fiが完備されている。
This hotel is geared towards business people, so it's fully equipped with conference rooms and Wi-Fi.
このお店にはペット向けの商品がたくさん並んでいる。
This shop carries a lot of products for pets.
これは日本語学習者向けの辞書だ。
This is a dictionary for Japanese language learners.