Meaning

Primary

Deed

Alternatives

Act, Behavior

Word Type

noun

Explanation

You go somewhere for the sake of committing some deed. Is the act you plan to carry out there benevolent? Or will your behavior perhaps be… malicious?

行為 is a somewhat formal word that objectively refers to something a person does, with the focus more on the action itself than the intention behind it. It's commonly used in writing, rules, or discussions about right and wrong, like 犯罪行為 (criminal act) or 迷惑行為 (nuisance behavior).

Reading

こうい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 不法行為

    illegal act, illegal behavior

    違法行為

    illegal act, illegal behavior

    犯罪行為

    criminal act, criminal behavior

    迷惑行為

    nuisance behavior

Context Sentences

それは裏切り行為ですよ。

That is an act of betrayal.

頭突きは危険な行為ですよ。

Headbutting is dangerous behavior.

私には彼の行為は理解できません。

I can't understand his actions.

違法行為は厳しく罰せられます。

Illegal activity will be severely punished.

Kanji Composition