Japanese word

徐行

Pronunciation

Romajijokō

Meaning

  • nounreduced speed

Example

車は交差点の前で徐行します。kuruma wa kō sa ten no mae de jo kō shi ma su

Cars proceed at reduced speed before intersections.

Illustration for 徐行 (reduced speed)

More examples

雨の日は、見通しが悪いので徐行します。ame no hi wa mi tō shi ga waru i no de jo kō shi ma su

On rainy days, I proceed at reduced speed because visibility is poor.

Core concept

It means continuing to move while deliberately reducing speed to respond safely to nearby conditions.

Common phrases

  • 徐行するjo kō su ru

    proceed at reduced speed

  • 徐行区間jo kō ku kan

    reduced-speed section

  • 徐行標識jo kō hyō shiki

    reduced-speed sign

Similar words

減速gensoku: A vehicle slows down from its previous speed, whether or not it can stop immediately.
低速teisoku: A vehicle moves at a generally slow speed, which may be unrelated to a need for immediate stopping.

Definition in Japanese

車両が周囲の状況に注意し、通常より遅い速度で進むこと。sha ryō ga shū i no jō kyō ni chū i shi tsū jō yo ri oso i soku do de susu mu ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 徐行 (jokō) joins 徐 (jo, "slow") with 行 (kō, "go"), expressing the act of going slowly.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a fixed speed limit, 徐行 (jokō) describes a speed that allows a vehicle to stop immediately when needed.

Word lists with this word