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Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
face the wrong way ; go in the wrong direction
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to face the direction of the day after tomorrow', i.e., to look or go in a completely wrong direction. Often used figuratively for misguided efforts or attention.
See also: 明後日
。
His explanation was completely off the mark, and I couldn't understand what he wanted to say.
Written forms あさっての 方ほう を 向む く
Most common spelling; uses the kanji 方 for 'direction' and 向く for 'face'.
明後日あさって の 方ほう を 向む く
Uses the kanji 明後日 for あさって; less common but still seen.
あさってのほうを 向む く
All-kana spelling; natural in casual writing.
Kanji 方 direction, person, alternative Similar words 見けん 当とう 違ちが い 見当違い means 'off the mark' or 'misguided' as a noun or adjective, while あさっての方を向く is a verbal phrase emphasizing the action of facing or heading in the wrong direction.
的まと 外はず れ 的外れ is a na-adjective meaning 'off-target' or 'irrelevant', often used for remarks or answers. あさっての方を向く is more vivid and implies a physical or metaphorical misdirection.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'to face the direction of the day after tomorrow'. The day after tomorrow (あさって) is used metaphorically to indicate a direction that is completely wrong or irrelevant, as if one is looking toward a distant, unrelated point in time.
あさっての方を向く (あさってのほうをむく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora