JLPT N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜向き” and “〜向け”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜向き” and “〜向け”
2. 〜向き
3. 〜向け
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “学生向き” and “学生向け”?
A: They have similar meanings, but there are differences in grammatical characteristics and nuance. Let’s look at the meaning and usage of each.
〜向き(に) (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Just right for / Suitable for 〜
[Rule]
[N] Noun + 向き(に)
[Examples]
これは子ども向きの服ですね。
This is clothing that’s just right for children.
この映画は話が複雑だから、子どもよりも大人向きだね。
This movie has a complicated story, so it’s more suitable for adults than for children.
この服は綿100％だから、夏向きだね。
This outfit is made of 100% cotton, so it’s perfect for summer.
This expression is used when the speaker observes something and feels that its nature or characteristics are just right or suitable for a certain person or time.
It becomes easier to understand if you think of it as “easy to use for 〜” or “just right for 〜.”
[Examples]
A：このアルバイト、いいね。夕方から働けて、週末働ける人を募集してるって。
B：いいね。学生向きだね。
A: This part-time job looks good. You can work in the evenings, and they’re looking for people who can work on weekends.
B: Yeah, it seems suitable for students.
⇒ This means the schedule and conditions match well with students and make it easy for them to work.
あの高級マンションは、家賃が高そうだから、お金持ち向きに作られたんだろうね。
That luxury apartment probably has high rent, so it was likely designed for wealthy people.
このジャケットは中に綿が入っていて温かそうだから、冬向きだね。
This jacket is filled with cotton and looks warm, so it’s perfect for winter.
〜向け(に) (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
For the sake of 〜 / Intended for 〜
[Rule]
[N] Noun + 向け(に)
[Examples]
これは小さい子ども向けに作られたおもちゃです。
This toy was made for small children.
このセミナーは初心者向けに、内容がとてもわかりやすくなっています。
This seminar is very easy to understand for beginners.
この翻訳機は、英語ができない人向けに開発されました。
This translation device was developed for people who cannot speak English.
“〜向けに” indicates that something is intentionally made or designed for a specific person or purpose.
[Examples]
A：このセミナーは誰でも参加できますか？
B：これは、まだ働いたことがない学生向けなんです。学生を対象に開催しています。
A: Can anyone join this seminar?
B: This is intended for students who have never worked before. It’s held specifically for students.
⇒ This shows that the target audience is limited to students.
最近は外国人も泊まりやすいように、外国人向けのホテルが増えてきました。
Recently, more hotels for foreign visitors have been built to make it easier for them to stay.
このクリームは、肌が弱い人向けに開発されたものです。
This cream was developed for people with sensitive skin.
Let’s Compare
Now, let’s think about which is more appropriate: “向き” or “向け”.
[Example ①]
A：この日本語のクラス、参加したいけど難しいかな？
B：ここに「日常会話がわかればいい」って書いてあるから、
① 初心者向きだと思うよ。
② 初心者向けだと思うよ。
The correct answer is ①.
In this sentence, the phrase “I think” reflects the speaker’s personal judgment. Therefore, “向き,” which expresses suitability based on the nature or features of something, is more natural.
[Example ②]
A：今回の新商品、とても人気ですね。
B：そうなんです。ターゲットを女性にして、
① 特に若い女性向きに作った商品なんですよ。
② 特に若い女性向けに作った商品なんですよ。
The correct answer is ②.
Since the product was intentionally made for young women, “向け” is appropriate.
“向け” indicates that something was intentionally designed for a specific target or purpose.
Summary
[〜向きに]
- When the speaker observes the nature or characteristics of something and judges that it is just right or suitable for a particular person or time, this expression is used.
- It includes the speaker’s subjective evaluation.
[〜向けに]
- This expression indicates that something was intentionally created with a specific person or purpose in mind.
- The target or purpose is clearly defined, and there is a sense of planning involved.
Similer Articles
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