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:

濫用は許されない行為です。

Ranyou wa yurusarenai koui desu

Abuse is not permissible conduct.

Abuse is an unacceptable act.

• 濫用 - abuse
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - not allowed
• 行為 - after
• です - is

流行は常に変化しています。

Ryūkō wa tsuneni henka shiteimasu

Fashion is always changing.

The trend is constantly changing.

• 流行 (ryuukou) - Fashion
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 常に (tsuneni) - always
• 変化 (henka) - change
• しています (shiteimasu) - It's running

暗殺は悪質な行為です。

Ansatsu wa akushitsu na kōi desu

Murder is a malicious act.

Murder is a malicious act.

• 暗殺 (ansatsu) - murder
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 悪質 (akushitsu) - malicious, evil
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 行為 (kōi) - act, action
• です (desu) - polite way of being

早めに行動することが成功の秘訣です。

Hayameni koudou suru koto ga seikou no hikitsudesu

Acting quickly is the key to success.

Taking action early is the key to success.

• 早めに - advance care, precaution
• 行動する - act, take measures
• ことが - particle that indicates that the previous sentence is the subject of the following sentence
• 成功の - success
• 秘訣 - secret, key
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

明日は決行だ。

Ashita wa kekkou da

Tomorrow is the day of action.

Tomorrow is happening.

• 明日 - tomorrow
• は - Topic particle
• 決行 - execution decided, action decided
• だ - Verb to be/estar in the present

文房具を買いに行きます。

Bunbōgu o kai ni ikimasu

I am going to buy office supplies.

I will buy stationery items.

• 文房具 - "文房具" (bunbougu)
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 買い - The form of the verb "comprar" in Japanese is 買う (かう, kau).
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 行きます - The polite form of the verb "to go" in Japanese is 行きます (ikimasu).

新婚旅行は楽しいですね。

Shinkon ryokou wa tanoshii desu ne

Honeymoon is fun

The honeymoon is fun.

• 新婚旅行 - Means "honeymoon" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "honeymoon".
• 楽しい - adjective meaning "fun" or "pleasant."
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
• ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation of what has been said.

旅客は新幹線で旅行します。

Ryokaku wa shinkansen de ryokou shimasu

Passengers travel by bullet train.

Passengers travel by Shinkansen.

• 旅客 (ryokaku) - passenger
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新幹線 (shinkansen) - bullet-train
• で (de) - Location particle
• 旅行 (ryokou) - trip
• します (shimasu) - verb "to do" in polite form

日帰り旅行が楽しいです。

Nikkari ryokou ga tanoshii desu

Day trips are enjoyable.

A day trip is fun.

• 日帰り旅行 - One-day trip
• が - Subject particle
• 楽しい - Funny
• です - polite way of being

改定されたルールに従って行動してください。

Kaitē sareta rūru ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the revised rules and act according to them.

Act according to the revised rules.

• 改定された - amended, revised
• ルール - rule
• に従って - according to, following
• 行動 - action, behavior
• してください - Please, make.