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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to move forward' with 向前 (xiàngqián)

    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Subject + 向前 + Verb

    Explanation

    The phrase 向前 (xiàngqián) means 'forward' or 'to move forward,' indicating direction toward the front. It is placed before a verb of movement to indicate the direction of the action, and is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

    Examples

    • 别停下来，继续向前走。

      bié tíng xiàlái, jìxù xiàng qián zǒu.

      Don't stop; keep moving forward.

    • 我们必须向前看，不要老想着过去的事。

      wǒmen bìxū xiàng qián kàn, bùyào lǎo xiǎngzhe guòqù de shì.

      We must look ahead and stop dwelling on the past.

    • 他向前迈了一步，鼓起勇气开口说话。

      tā xiàng qián mài le yī bù, gǔqǐ yǒngqì kāikǒu shuōhuà.

      He took a step forward and mustered the courage to speak.

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    Expressing 'to move forward' with 向前 (xiàngqián) | Chinese Grammar