偏向 (piān xiàng) is a noun meaning 'bias' or 'partiality'—a tendency to favor one person, group, idea, or option over others, often unfairly or unconsciously. The character 偏 means 'to deviate' or 'to lean', suggesting a departure from neutrality, while 向 means 'toward' or 'in the direction of', together forming the idea of 'leaning toward' something. It implies an unbalanced perspective, not just preference but an unjustified inclination that may affect judgment.

This word is commonly used in discussions about fairness, media reporting, education, and interpersonal relationships. It carries a slightly negative connotation, indicating a lack of objectivity. Unlike casual preferences (e.g., 喜欢), 偏向 suggests systemic or habitual leaning—often criticized in academic, legal, or ethical contexts. It can appear as the subject or object of a sentence, and frequently follows verbs like 有 (yǒu), 存在 (cúnzài), or 表现 (biǎoxiàn).