向 + 人 + 动词
to / from someone: ask, learn from, ask for leave, send your regards
Structure
向 + 人 + 提问／请教／学习／请假／问好
What it means
Before a person, 向 shows who an action is aimed at: “to” or “from” someone, as in asking, learning from, asking for leave or sending regards.
How it is built
向 + person + verb: 向老师提问 (ask the teacher), 向她学习 (learn from her), 向经理请假 (ask the manager for time off), 向你父母问好 (say hello to your parents).
When to use it
向 sounds a little more formal; in casual speech 跟 often does the same job: 跟老师学. You also know 向 with directions: 向右看 (look right).
Watch out
向 + person always comes before the verb: ✗ 我请教向老师 ✓ 我向老师请教.
Examples
有不懂的地方，就向老师提问。
If there’s something you don’t understand, ask the teacher.
他向经理请了两天假。
He asked the manager for two days off.
请代我向你父母问好。
Please give my regards to your parents.
我们都应该向她学习。
We should all learn from her.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 25: 高考 (The big exam)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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