Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'forward' with 往前 (wǎngqián)

    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    往前 + Verb

    Explanation

    往前 (wǎngqián) means "forward" or "ahead," indicating direction of movement. It combines 往 (toward) with 前 (front), and is placed before a verb to indicate forward motion. Common usages include 往前走 (walk forward) and 往前看 (look ahead). It can also be used figuratively to mean moving on in life.

    Examples

    • 往前走两百米就能看到地铁站了。

      Wǎng qián zǒu liǎng bǎi mǐ jiù néng kàn dào dìtiě zhàn le.

      Walk forward two hundred meters and you'll see the subway station.

    • 别总回头看，往前看才能走得更远。

      Bié zǒng huítóu kàn, wǎng qián kàn cái néng zǒu de gèng yuǎn.

      Don't keep looking back; only by looking forward can you go further.

    • 他往前迈了一步，鼓起勇气开口说话。

      Tā wǎng qián mài le yí bù, gǔqǐ yǒngqì kāikǒu shuōhuà.

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

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'forward' with 往前 (wǎngqián) | Chinese Grammar