向かう

[Maxful]

Thanks for the explanation, KyleGoetz. Glad that you included some examples because what I always say is "I am heading towards the store" or "I am heading for the store".

Is that incorrect?

[KyleGoetz]

Originally Posted by Maxful

Thanks for the explanation, KyleGoetz. Glad that you included some examples because what I always say is "I am heading towards the store" or "I am heading for the store".

Is that incorrect?

"I am heading for the store" sounds perfectly fine to me. I want to say there's a difference between "for" and "to" here, but since have no idea what it is, let's say there isn't a difference. It's not a difference in tone, formality, emotion, or anything I can think of.

As for "I am heading towards the store," it sounds like you aren't going to the store, but merely in the direction of the store. Like maybe you think you'll stop halfway, or there's a church next to the store you're going to, or something like that.

But if you said "towards" (I think "towards" sounds more British and "toward" more American), everyone will understand your meaning, and I don't think anyone would stop and think "this is not a natural English speaker."

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't really worry. You might be something like .1% incorrect using it, but no one will probably even notice it.

This entire thing is almost exactly like the に・へ行く distinction.

[Maxful]

One more question. Am I right to say that "I'm headed for the store" and "I am heading for the store" is exactly the same meaning?