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:

捜索を行う必要があります。

Sōsaku o okonau hitsuyō ga arimasu

It is necessary to perform a search.

You need to search.

• 捜索 (sōsaku) - search, research
• を (o) - direct object particle
• 行う (okonau) - perform, execute
• 必要 (hitsuyō) - necessary, essential
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

教会に行きたいです。

Kyōkai ni ikitai desu

I want to go to church.

I want to go to the church.

• 教会 (kyoukai) - church
• に (ni) - location indication
• 行きたい (ikitai) - want to go
• です (desu) - polite way to end a sentence

早速行動することが大切です。

Sassoku koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to act quickly.

It is important to act immediately.

• 早速 - means "immediately" or "right away."
• 行動 - means "action" or "behavior".
• する - is a verb that means "to do."
• こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous verb is a noun, transforming "to do" into "to do something".
• が - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - It is a particle that indicates that the sentence is an affirmative and formal statement.

是正な行動を取りましょう。

Seisei na koudou wo torimashou

Let's take correct actions.

Let's take the right action.

• 是正 (shisei) - It means "correction" or "rectification"
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• 行動 (koudou) - It means "action" or "behavior"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates direct object
• 取りましょう (torimashou) - Polite form of the verb "toru", which means "to take" or "to perform"

最低な行為をしてはいけません。

Saitei na kōi o shite wa ikemasen

Don't make the worst act.

• 最低な - means "the worst" or "the lowest".
• 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• いけません - negative form of the verb "iku" meaning "to go". In this case, it is used to indicate that something should not be done.

有名な観光地に行きたいです。

Yūmei na kankōchi ni ikitai desu

I want to go to a famous tourist place.

I want to go to a famous tourist spot.

• 有名な - famous
• 観光地 - Tourist attraction
• に - particle indicating destination
• 行きたい - want to go
• です - a polite way of finishing a sentence

本部に行く予定です。

Hombu ni iku yotei desu

I intend to go to headquarters.

• 本部 (honbu) - It means "headquarters" or "main office".
• に (ni) - A noun that indicates the location where something happens.
• 行く (iku) - a verb that means "to go".
• 予定 (yotei) - means "plan" or "schedule".
• です (desu) - a particle that indicates the polite or respectful way of speaking.

格が高い店に行きたいです。

Kaku ga takai mise ni ikitai desu Translation: I want to go to a high

end store.

I want to go to a high-ranking store.

• 格が高い - means "of high quality" or "of high level".
• 店 - means "store" or "establishment".
• に - It's a particle that indicates the direction or the target of the action.
• 行きたい - it is a form of the verb "to go" in the present tense and indicates desire or will.
• です - It is a polite way to end a sentence in Japanese, equivalent to "please" or "thank you" in Portuguese.

正しく行動することが大切です。

Tadashiku koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act correctly.

• 正しく - adverb meaning "correctly"
• 行動する - verb that means "to act, to behave"
• こと - noun that means "thing, fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important, valuable"
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of speech

殺人は許されない行為です。

Satsujin wa yurusarenai koui desu

Murder is an unacceptable act.

• 殺人 - murder
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - not allowed
• 行為 - after
• です - is