Translation and Meaning of: 行 - gyou

The Japanese word 行[ぎょう] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday language to more formal expressions. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding the meaning, origin, and uses of this word can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore everything about 行[ぎょう], including its writing, pronunciation, and practical applications. Furthermore, we will look at how it is perceived in Japanese culture and tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you've ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know that it's one of the best tools for learning Japanese accurately. Here, we go beyond simple translation, diving into details that make learning richer and more contextualized. Shall we begin?

Meaning and use of 行[ぎょう]

The term 行[ぎょう] has multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common uses is to refer to a "line" or "row," as in texts or physical arrangements. For example, in a book, 行 indicates the lines of text, while in a supermarket, it can describe the rows of products.

Moreover, 行 can also mean "to go" or "to perform" when used as part of compound verbs. This duality of meanings makes the word especially interesting for students, as its understanding depends on the situation in which it appears. Knowing how to differentiate these uses is essential to avoid confusion in communication.

Origin and writing of the kanji 行

The kanji 行 has an ancient origin, and its structure reflects its original meaning. It is composed of the radicals 彳 (step with the left foot) and 亍 (step with the right foot), symbolizing the movement of walking. This visual representation helps to understand why the character is associated with ideas like "to go" or "line."

It is worth noting that 行 has other readings besides ぎょう, such as こう and い. Each of them carries different nuances, but ぎょう is the most common reading in daily life. Studying the variations of readings is an important step in mastering the correct use of this kanji in different situations.

Tips for memorizing 行[ぎょう]

An effective way to fix 行[ぎょう] in memory is to associate it with images or everyday situations. For example, think of a text full of lines (行) or visualize someone walking (行く). Creating these mental connections makes it easier to remember when you need to use the word.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この行を読んでください" ("Please read this line"). The more you expose your brain to the term in real contexts, the more natural its use becomes. Tools like flashcards and spaced repetition apps can also be great allies in this process.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 歩く (Aruku) - walk, walk
• 歩行する (Hokou suru) - take a walk, go for a walk
• 歩み (Ayumi) - step, progress
• 歩み寄り (Ayumiyori) - commitment, approach
• 歩調 (Hochou) - walking pace
• 歩幅 (Bohaba) - step width
• 歩数 (Hosuu) - number of steps
• 歩み方 (Ayumikata) - walking style
• 歩み止まる (Ayumi tomaru) - stop walking
• 歩みを進める (Ayumi o susumeru) - advance, proceed with progress
• 歩みを止める (Ayumi o tomeru) - stop the progress
• 歩みを早める (Ayumi o hayameru) - accelerate progress
• 歩みを遅らせる (Ayumi o okuraseru) - delay the progress
• 歩みを見直す (Ayumi o minaosu) - view progress
• 歩みを修正する (Ayumi o shuusei suru) - correct the progress
• 歩みを加速する (Ayumi o kasokushiru) - accelerate progress
• 歩みを減速する (Ayumi o gensoku suru) - reduce the speed of progress
• 歩みを変える (Ayumi o kaeru) - change the progress

行

Romaji: gyou
Kana: ぎょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: line;column;verse

Meaning in English: line;row;verse

Definition: to do some kind of activity.

Example Sentences - (行) gyou

See below some example sentences:

博物館に行きたいです。

Hakubutsukan ni ikitai desu

I want to go to the museum.

I want to go to the museum.

• 博物館 (hakubutsukan) - museum
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination
• 行きたい (ikitai) - want to go
• です (desu) - a polite way of finishing a sentence

危害を与える行為は許されません。

Kigai wo ataeru koui wa yurusaremasen

Actions that cause harm are not allowed.

The act of harming is not allowed.

• 危害を与える行為 - Action that causes damage
• は - Topic particle
• 許されません - Not allowed

即座に行動することが成功の秘訣です。

Sokuza ni koudou suru koto ga seikou no hiketsu desu

Acting immediately is the secret of success.

Acting immediately is the key to success.

• 即座に - immediately
• 行動する - Act
• こと - Nominalizer noun
• が - subject particle
• 成功の - success
• 秘訣 - secret
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

前後を見てから行動してください。

Maego wo mite kara koudou shite kudasai

Please check around before taking action.

Please look back and forth before acting.

• 前後 (zen-go) - means "front and back" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 見て (mite) - verb form of "mirar" in Japanese
• から (kara) - means "after" in Japanese
• 行動 (koudou) - means "action" in Japanese
• して (shite) - verb form of "to do" in Japanese
• ください (kudasai) - Japanese expression of request, meaning "please"

修行は人生を豊かにする。

Shugyou wa jinsei wo yutaka ni suru

Ascetic practice enriches life.

Training enriches life.

• 修行 - practice, training, discipline
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人生 - human life
• を - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 豊か - rich, abundant, prosperous
• に - grammatical particle that indicates transformation or change of state
• する - do, carry out, practice

余所に行ってみたいです。

Yoso ni itte mitai desu

I would like to go to other places.

I want to go anywhere else.

• 余所 (yoso) - It means "another place" or "different place".
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or destination of the action.
• 行ってみたい (ittemitai) - a conjugated form of the verb "iku" (to go) with the auxiliary "mitai" (want to try). It means "want to try to go".
• です (desu) - a particle that indicates the polite or respectful way of speaking.

今回の旅行は楽しかったです。

Konnkai no ryokou wa tanoshikatta desu

The trip this time was fun.

This trip was fun.

• 今回の旅行 - this trip(trip this time)
• は - wa(topic particle)
• 楽しかった - tanoshikatta(it was fun)
• です - desu(verb to be/estar in the present tense)

中傷は許されない行為です。

Chūshō wa yurusarenai kōi desu

Defaming others is unacceptable behavior.

Slavery is an unacceptable act.

• 中傷 - defamation
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - not allowed
• 行為 - action
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

不正な行為は許されない。

Fusei na kōi wa yurusarenai

Illegal behavior is not allowed.

Unauthorized acts are not allowed.

• 不正な - means "illegal" or "inappropriate".
• 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 許されない - It means "not allowed" or "not tolerated".

並行して歩く。

Heikou shite aruku

Walk in parallel.

Walk in parallel.

• 並行して - means "together" or "parallel".
• 歩く - means "to walk" or "to stroll".