Translation and Meaning of: 行動 - koudou

The Japanese word 行動 (こうどう) is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "action" or "behavior," but it goes beyond that, reflecting important nuances in the way Japanese people see attitudes and decisions. In this article, we will explore what makes this word so relevant, from its writing in kanji to its use in everyday and philosophical contexts.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese understand the relationship between thought and action, 行動 is a key to that answer. Here, we'll look not only at its literal translation but also at how it appears in common expressions, its frequency in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. All based on reliable sources and real examples, without fabrications.

The meaning and kanji of 行動

The word 行動 is composed of two kanji: 行 (こう, "to go" or "to do") and 動 (どう, "movement"). Together, they form the concept of "action in motion," something that goes beyond an isolated act. While in Portuguese "ação" can be something abstract, in Japanese, 行動 carries the idea of concreteness, of something that is put into practice.

Unlike like 活動 (かつどう, "activity") or 行為 (こうい, "act"), 行動 carries a more individual and immediate weight. It is often used to describe personal choices, such as in 行動を起こす (to act) or 行動パターン (behavior pattern). This specificity makes it a common word in discussions about ethics and responsibility in Japan.

How 行動 is used in everyday Japanese

In daily life, the Japanese use 行動 to refer to everything from simple decisions to major life changes. Phrases like 行動が大切だ ("actions are important") or すぐ行動に移す ("put into practice immediately") are heard in various contexts, from advice among friends to motivational speeches in companies.

An interesting cultural aspect is that, in Japan, 行動 often comes with the expectation of coherence. It's not enough to have good intentions; your actions (行動) must reflect them. This explains why the word appears so frequently in self-help books and corporate trainings in the country, always focusing on the relationship between thinking and doing.

Tips for memorizing and using 行動 correctly

An effective way to reinforce 行動 is to associate it with situations where action and consequence are clear. For example, think of phrases like 環境保護のために行動する ("to act to protect the environment") or 彼の行動は勇敢だった ("his actions were courageous"). This type of context helps to understand when the word is more appropriate than its synonyms.

Another tip is to observe the radical 行 (which also appears in 行く, "iku" - "to go") and note how it appears in related to movement and decision. On the other hand, the kanji 動 is the same as in 動く ("ugoku" - "to move"), reinforcing the idea that 行動 ("koudou" - "action") is not static. This visual decomposition can be useful for those learning Japanese through writing.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 動作 (Dōsa) - Specific action or movement
  • 活動 (Katsudō) - Activity or action in a broader context, usually being continuous.
  • 動き (Ugoki) - Movement or change of position, generally used to describe an ongoing action.
  • 挙動 (Kyodō) - Behavior or action, often in relation to a response to stimuli
  • 振る舞い (Furumai) - Behavior or way of acting, generally concerning attitude and social interaction.
  • 行為 (Kōi) - Act or conduct that can be moral or immoral, focusing on the morality of the action.

Related words

デモンストレーション

demonsutore-syon

demonstration

いい加減

iikagen

moderate; correct; random; not meticulous; vague; irresponsible; unenthusiastic

悪者

warumono

Bad Companion; Rascal; Ruffian; Scoundrel

渡り鳥

wataridori

migratory bird; ing bird

露骨

rokotsu

1. Frank; Blunt; Plain; frank; 2. conspicuous; open; 3. broad; suggestive

幼稚

youchi

infancy; childish; childish

優勝

yuushou

overall victory; championship

間違える

machigaeru

err; to make a mistake

発作

hosa

adjustment; spasm

避難

hinan

Taking refuge; Finding Shelter

行動

Romaji: koudou
Kana: こうどう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: action; conduct; behavior; mobilization

Meaning in English: action;conduct;behaviour;mobilization

Definition: To really do something for someone or something.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (行動) koudou

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (行動) koudou:

Example Sentences - (行動) koudou

See below some example sentences:

固定されたルールに従って行動してください。

Kotei sareta ruuru ni shitagatte koudou shite kudasai

Please, follow the established rules and act accordingly.

I'm sorry, I can only assist with translations. Please provide the text you would like to have translated.

  • 固定された - fixed, unchanging
  • ルール - rule
  • に従って - following, according to
  • 行動 - action, behavior
  • してください - Please, make.
周囲を注意深く見て行動してください。

Shuui wo chuuibukaku mite koudou shite kudasai

Please observe carefully around and act.

Please take care of the environment.

  • 周囲 - means "around" or "surrounding".
  • を - object particle.
  • 注意深く - means "with attention" or "carefully."
  • 見て - verb form of the verb "to look" or "to observe".
  • 行動して - verb form of the verb "to act" or "to behave".
  • ください - verb form of the verb "to give" or "to offer".
原則に従って行動する。

Gensoku ni shitagatte koudou suru

Act according to principles.

Act on principle.

  • 原則 (gensoku) - principle, fundamental rule
  • に (ni) - particle of indication of location or time
  • 従って (shitagatte) - following, according to
  • 行動 (koudou) - action, behavior
  • する (suru) - verb "to do"
即座に行動することが成功の秘訣です。

Sokuza ni koudou suru koto ga seikou no hiketsu desu

Acting immediately is the secret of success.

Acting immediately is the key to success.

  • 即座に - immediately
  • 行動する - Act
  • こと - Nominalizer noun
  • が - subject particle
  • 成功の - success
  • 秘訣 - secret
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
前後を見てから行動してください。

Maego wo mite kara koudou shite kudasai

Please check around before taking action.

Please look back and forth before acting.

  • 前後 (zen-go) - means "front and back" in Japanese
  • を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
  • 見て (mite) - verb form of "mirar" in Japanese
  • から (kara) - means "after" in Japanese
  • 行動 (koudou) - means "action" in Japanese
  • して (shite) - verb form of "to do" in Japanese
  • ください (kudasai) - Japanese expression of request, meaning "please"
この命令に従って行動してください。

Kono meirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the instructions in this command.

Please act according to this request.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 命令 - noun that means "order" or "command"
  • に - particle that indicates action or destination
  • 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
  • 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
  • して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
  • ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"
この指令に従って行動してください。

Kono shirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow these instructions and take the necessary action.

Please act according to this command.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 指令 - noun that means "order" or "instruction"
  • に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
  • 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
  • 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
  • して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
  • ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"
一斉に行動しよう。

Issai ni koudou shiyou

Let's act at once.

  • 一斉に - simultaneously, at the same time
  • 行動 - action, movement
  • しよう - let's do, let's act
冷静に考えて行動することが大切です。

Reisei ni kangaete koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to calmly act and think before you act.

It is important to think calmly and act.

  • 冷静に - Calmly
  • 考えて - thinking
  • 行動する - Act
  • ことが - is important
  • 大切です - crucial
単独で行動するのは危険です。

Tandoku de kōdō suru no wa kiken desu

It is dangerous to act alone.

  • 単独で行動するのは - "Doing something alone is"
  • 危険です - "dangerous."

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

意思

ishi

intention; purpose

kei

time; about; toward; approximately (time)

華美

kabi

pomp; splendor; gaudy

親父

oyaji

someone's father; old man; someone's boss

予感

yokan

Presentation; premonition

Action