向ける

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 向ける is read as むける and is a transitive verb meaning to turn or aim a face, object, attention, or similar thing toward a target.
• Basic usage: Turning one's face appears in 顔を窓の外へ向ける, while aiming a camera appears in 子どもにカメラを向ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Marking the object and direction
  • The thing being directed takes を, while its destination or target is commonly marked by に or へ.
• Difference from 向く
  • 向く is intransitive and describes something facing a direction, whereas 向ける means that someone directs it.