811 - 向けに（むけに）
The verb 向ける (むける) means "to turn toward" or "to point (in the direction of)."
We've seen this verb just once before, in [NDL #229] - How Sailor Moon Taught Me About Space:
宇宙船は宇宙に向けて飛び立った。
うちゅうせん は うちゅう に むけて とびたった。
A spaceship took off towards space.
Literally: “spaceship + は + space + に + point at (and) + took off.”
Since 向ける means "to turn toward" or "to point (in the direction of)," it makes sense that 向けに (むけに) is used when saying that something is "intended for" or "targeted at" a certain group of people.
An example:
これはプロ向けに作られたカメラです。
これ は プロ むけに つくられた カメラ です。
This camera was made for professionals. // This camera was designed to be used by pros.
Literally: “this + は + pro + intended for / aimed at + に + was made + camera + です.”
プロ向けに
＝ for pros
Isn't it nice when things make sense?
👷 Construction 👷
We have a simple pattern for this one:
NOUN ＋ 向けに
intended for NOUN; aimed at NOUN; targeting NOUN
When 向けに（むけに）is followed by another NOUN, then you should say 向けの（むけの）instead:
駅前にファミリー向けのピラティス教室ができたんだって。行ってみない？
えきまえ に ファミリー むけの ピラティス きょうしつ が できた んだ って。 いって みない？
Apparently, a pilates studio for families has opened up in front of the station. Wanna try it out?
Literally: “in front of the station + に + family + intended for / aimed at + の + pilates + classroom + が + was made / was built + んだ + って (=[hearsay marker]). + go (and) + won’t see?”
When you want to put 向けに at the end of a clause, then it should be followed by a copula (i.e. です、だ、etc.) instead of に, as in the following example. (Note that at the end of a casual sentence, just saying 向け is fine.)
この雑誌はアメカジファッションが好きな人向けです。
この ざっし は アメカジ ファッション が すきな ひと むけです。
This magazine is aimed at people who like American casual fashion.
Literally: “this + magazine + は + American casual (fashion style) + fashion + が + liked + person + intended for / aimed at + です.”
この映画は子供向けですが、大人がみても楽しめます。
この えいが は こども むけです が、 おとな が みても たのしめます。
This movie is intended for children, but adults can enjoy it, too.
Literally: “this + movie + は + children + intended for / aimed at + です + が, + adult + が + even if (they) saw + can enjoy.”
What do you think?
Not too tricky, yeah?
In our next N3 lesson, we'll be looking at 向きに (むきに), which is just slightly different than 向けに (むけに).