1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “行” (pronounced “kou” or “gyou”) primarily means “to go” or “to conduct.” It can also refer to a line or a row, depending on the context in which it is used.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “行” is classified as a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The left side of the character is related to the meaning of movement, while the right side provides a phonetic hint.
Radical: The radical for “行” is 行 (meaning “to go” or “to walk”), which is also the character itself.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “行” are:
- 行く (iku) – to go
- 行動 (koudou) – action
- 行列 (gyouretsu) – line or queue
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 明日、友達と映画に行く予定です。 (Ashita, tomodachi to eiga ni iku yotei desu.) – I plan to go to the movies with my friend tomorrow.
- 駅まで行列ができていました。 (Eki made gyouretsu ga dekite imashita.) – There was a line at the station.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “進” (shin), which means “to advance” or “to proceed.” The difference lies in the nuance; “行” is more general, while “進” implies a forward movement or progress.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “行” is “止” (shi), which means “to stop.” This represents the opposite action of moving or going.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “行” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of movement and progress in life. It is often associated with journeys, both physical and metaphorical.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “行く先は分からない” (Ikusaki wa wakaranai), which translates to “The destination is unknown,” emphasizing the unpredictability of life’s journey.