Japanese word

親孝行

Pronunciation

Romajioyakōkō

Meaning

  • nounbeing good to one's parents

Example

毎週両親に電話して親孝行しています。mai shū ryō shin ni den wa shi te oya kō kō shi te i ma su

I am being good to my parents by calling them every week.

Illustration for 親孝行 (being good to one's parents)

More examples

年を取った両親のために親孝行を続けています。toshi o to tta ryō shin no ta me ni oya kō kō o tsuzu ke te i ma su

I continue to be good to my aging parents.

Core concept

Centers on showing gratitude to one's parents through respect and practical support.

Common phrases

  • 親孝行をするoya kō kō o su ru

    be good to one's parents

Similar words

孝行kōkō: Showing respect and care for one's parents through dutiful actions.
孝養kōyō: Providing care and support for one's parents, especially as they grow older.

Definition in Japanese

親に感謝し、敬い、必要な世話や支援をすること。oya ni kan sha shi uyama i hitsu yō na se wa ya shi en o su ru ko to

Word origin

親孝行 (oya kōkō) is built from 親 (shin, "parent") and 孝行 (kōkō, "filial conduct"); the first character uses its native reading oya in this established compound.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may recognize "filial" from the phrase "filial piety," which describes the respect and duty expressed by 親孝行 (oya kōkō).

Other meanings

  • taking care of one's parentsnoun

Opposites

  • 親不孝oyafukōunfilial behaviornoun

Related words

  • 親孝行するoyakōkōsurube good to one's parentsverb
  • 親孝行さoyakōkōsafilial devotionnoun

Word lists with this word