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:

この法律は来月から施行されます。

Kono houritsu wa raigetsu kara shikou saremasu

This law will come into effect next month.

This law will be applied next month.

• この - this
• 法律 - lei
• は - Topic particle
• 来月 - Next month
• から - A partir de
• 施行 - implementação
• されます - will be held

このシステムの運用はスムーズに行われています。

Kono shisutemu no unyō wa sumūzu ni okonawarete imasu

The operation of this system is carried out smoothly.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 運用 - noun that means "operation" or "maintenance"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• スムーズに - adverb that means "gently" or "without problems"
• 行われています - verb meaning "to be carried out" or "to be executed" in the present continuous

この列車は直通で東京まで行きます。

Kono ressha wa chokutsū de Tōkyō made ikimasu

This train goes directly to Tokyo.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 直通 - adjective meaning "direct"
• で - grammatical particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• 東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo"
• まで - grammatical particle that indicates the limit or scope of an action
• 行きます - verb meaning "to go"

この行事には大きな意義がある。

Kono gyouji ni wa ookina igi ga aru

This ceremony has great significance.

This event is significant.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 行事 - noun meaning "event" or "ceremony"
• には - particle indicating the target or purpose of the action, in this case, "for this event"
• 大きな - adjetivo que significa "grande"
• 意義 - noun meaning "significance" or "importance"
• が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "there is"
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

ジャンボな飛行機は大きくて素晴らしいです。

Jyanbo na hikouki wa ookikute subarashii desu

Jumbo planes are big and wonderful.

• ジャンボな飛行機 - jumbo jet
• は - Topic particle
• 大きくて - large and
• 素晴らしい - maravilhoso
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

スーツケースを持って旅行に行く。

Sūtsukēsu o motte ryokō ni iku

Take a trip with a suitcase.

• スーツケース - suitcase
• を - object particle
• 持って - verb "to have" conjugated in the gerund
• 旅行 - trip
• に - target particle
• 行く - verb "to go" conjugated in the present tense

ショーを見に行きたいです。

Shō wo mi ni ikitai desu

I want to go see the show.

• ショー (shō) - show
• を (wo) - particle indicando o objeto direto de uma frase
• 見 (mi) - to see
• に (ni) - partícula indicando o propósito ou destino de uma ação
• 行きたい (ikitai) - want to go
• です (desu) - The polite copula indicating the end of a sentence in Japanese is "です" (desu).

タクシーで空港に行きます。

Takushii de kuukou ni ikimasu

I go to the airport by taxi.

Go to the airport by taxi.

• タクシー (takushii) - táxi
• で (de) - by means of, using
• 空港 (kuukou) - airport
• に (ni) - towards, towards
• 行きます (ikimasu) - ir

デートに行きたいです。

Dēto ni ikitai desu

I want to go to a date.

I want to go to a date.

• デート - romantic date
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 行きたい - want to go
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

デパートに行きたいです。

Depāto ni ikitai desu

I want to go to the mall.

I want to go to a department store.

• デパート (Depāto) - department store
• に (ni) - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 行きたい (ikitai) - want to go
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present