Chinese Word
Archive
← Today's word Archive
verb / adjective / noun / measure word HSK 2
xíng / háng
to walk · to go · to be okay/alright · capable · row · line · profession

Meaning

行 is an extremely common and versatile character with two main pronunciations. As 'xíng', it means to walk, to go, to be okay, or capable. As 'háng', it refers to a row, line, or profession/trade. The character originally depicted a crossroads, symbolizing movement and pathways.

Usage

When pronounced 'xíng', it's frequently used in spoken Chinese to mean 'okay' or 'that works' in response to suggestions. As 'háng', it appears in words related to industries and professions. Context usually makes the pronunciation clear. The adjective sense of 'capable/competent' is common in evaluative contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    明天去你家，行吗？
    Míng tiān qù nǐ jiā, xíng ma?
    Going to your place tomorrow, is that okay?
  2. 02
    他在一家银行工作。
    Tā zài yī jiā yín háng gōng zuò.
    He works at a bank.

Measure words

  • 行háng三行字

Common collocations

  • 不行
    bù xíng
    won't do; not okay
  • 行吗
    xíng ma
    is that okay?
  • 银行
    yín háng
    bank
  • 旅行
    lǚ xíng
    to travel

Antonyms

Origin

The oracle bone script form depicted a crossroads or intersection, representing the concept of walking and movement along paths.

Related