Deliberate vs Naturally Suited
The two look alike and mean different things, and this is the whole page.
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 向け | made for that audience on purpose |
| 向き | happens to suit that audience |
- 子供向けの番組(a programme made for children)
- 子供向きの番組(a programme that suits children)
向け states the maker's intention. 向き states a judgement about fit — the thing may have been made for anyone.
向き Also Means "Facing"
Its literal sense is direction, and this use is very common:
- 南向きの部屋(a south-facing room)
In property listings, 南向き is a selling point, since it means sunlight.
向いている — The Verb
向いている is the verb behind 向き and means "to be suited to a person":
- この仕事は私に向いています。(This job suits me.)
Note the particle: に, not を.
Register
向け is common in business and product description — 初心者向け, 海外向け, 法人向け. 向き is more conversational.