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:

洗面所に行って顔を洗いました。

Sennmenjo ni itte kao wo araimashita

I went to the bathroom and washed my face.

• 洗面所 - It means "bathroom" or "restroom".
• に - it is a particle that indicates the place where the action occurs, in this case, "in the bathroom".
• 行って - It is the conjugation of the verb "ir" in the past, indicating that the person went to the bathroom.
• 顔 - It means "face".
• を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "washed the face".
• 洗いました - it is the past form of the verb "lavar", indicating that the person washed their face.

洗剤を買いに行きます。

Senzai wo kai ni ikimasu

I'm going to buy detergent.

I'm going to buy a detergent.

• 洗剤 (sentaku) - detergent
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 買い (kai) - Purchase
• に (ni) - target particle
• 行きます (ikimasu) - Go

海外旅行が大好きです。

Kaigai ryokou ga daisuki desu

I love traveling abroad.

• 海外旅行 - Trip abroad
• が - Subject particle
• 大好き - like it a lot
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

浴衣を着て祭りに行きたいです。

Yukata o kite matsuri ni ikitai desu

I want to wear a Yukata and go to a festival.

I want to go to the festival using a Yukata.

• 浴衣 - Traditional Japanese clothing worn at festivals and special occasions
• を - object particle
• 着て - "vestindo"
• 祭り - festival
• に - target particle
• 行きたい - verb "to want to go" in present
• です - Sentence-ending particle

浅ましい行為を犯すな。

Asamashii kōi wo okasu na

Do not commit petty acts.

Don't commit a superficial act.

• 浅ましい - adjective that means "mean," "base," "unworthy"
• 行為 - noun that means "action", "behavior"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 犯す - verb that means "to commit", "to violate"
• な - particle indicating an order or prohibition

理性を持って行動することが大切です。

Risei wo motte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act rationally.

It is important to act with reason.

• 理性 (risē) - reason, rationality
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持って (motte) - Land, possess
• 行動 (kōdō) - action, behavior
• する (suru) - make
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

用心深く行動することが大切です。

Yōjin bukaku kōdō suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act with caution and care.

It is important to act with caution.

• 用心深く - carefully
• 行動する - Act
• こと - thing
• 大切 - important
• です - is

直ちに行動することが重要です。

Chokkani kōdō suru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to act immediately.

• 直ちに - immediately
• 行動する - act, take action
• こと - abstract noun
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

直ぐに行動することが大切です。

Sugu ni koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to act quickly.

It is important to act immediately.

• 直ぐに - immediately
• 行動する - Act
• こと - thing
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

直感に従って行動することが大切です。

Chokkan ni shitagatte koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to act on intuition.

• 直感 (chokkan) - intuition
• に従って (ni shitagatte) - seguindo
• 行動する (koudou suru) - Act
• ことが (koto ga) - is important
• 大切です (taisetsu desu) - to be valuable