Translation guide
The English phrase "head towards" describes moving in the direction of a destination. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on whether you are going toward a physical location, a direction, or an abstract goal. Common verbs include 向かう (mukau) for heading to a place, 進む (susumu) for advancing forward, and 目指す (mezasu) for aiming toward a goal. The choice also depends on formality and whether the movement is intentional.
Expressing movement in the direction of a specific place or location.
The most common and versatile verb for heading toward a place. Can be used for both concrete and abstract destinations. Often used in the te-iru form (向かっている) to mean 'is heading toward'.
駅に向かっています。
I'm heading towards the station.
彼は出口に向かった。
He headed towards the exit.
Literally 'go in the direction of ~'. A natural, slightly casual way to say you're heading in a general direction rather than to a precise point.
駅の方へ行きます。
I'm heading towards the station (in that direction).
Means 'to advance' or 'to proceed'. Used when emphasizing forward movement along a path or route, rather than just the destination.
北へ進んでください。
Please head north.
Describing movement in a cardinal direction or along a bearing.
Use with direction words like 北 (north), 南 (south), etc. へ indicates direction.
船は南へ向かっている。
The ship is heading south.
More formal or written. 方角 means 'direction' or 'bearing'.
東の方角へ進んだ。
We headed in an easterly direction.
Expressing progress toward a non-physical target, such as a career, solution, or state.
Also used for abstract movement toward a state or goal, e.g., recovery, conclusion, success.
景気は回復に向かっている。
The economy is heading towards recovery.
交渉は合意に向かっている。
The negotiations are heading towards an agreement.
Means 'to aim for' or 'to head for' with a strong sense of intention. Used for goals like a career, a summit, or a record.
Emphasizes steady progress toward a goal. Often used in motivational contexts.
目標に向かって進み続けよう。
Let's keep heading towards our goal.
Describing the action of orienting oneself or a vehicle toward a direction.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to face' or 'to turn toward'. Use when the subject itself turns.
彼はこっちを向いた。
He turned toward me/us.
Transitive verb meaning 'to turn (something) toward'. Use when directing an object or attention.
向かう emphasizes the direction or process of going, while 行く simply states 'go'. 向かう is often used when the focus is on the journey or the fact that you are en route. 行く is more neutral and common for stating a destination.
今、駅に向かっている。
I'm on my way to the station now. (heading there)
明日、駅に行く。
I'll go to the station tomorrow.
The English word 'heading' is sometimes borrowed as ヘディング, but this is only used in soccer (a header) or in aviation/navigation contexts. Do not use it for general movement.
He's heading towards becoming a doctor. (He's aiming to be a doctor.)
Please turn the car toward the exit.