Japanese word

非行

Pronunciation

Romajihikō

Meaning

  • noundelinquency

Example

学校では非行を防ぐ取り組みをしています。gak kō de wa hi kō o fuse gu to ri ku mi o shi te i ma su

The school works to prevent delinquency.

Illustration for 非行 (delinquency)

More examples

家庭と学校が協力して非行の早期発見に努めています。ka tei to gak kō ga kyō ryoku shi te hi kō no sō ki hak ken ni tsuto me te i ma su

Families and schools work together to detect delinquency early.

Core concept

Refers to behavior that departs from the rules and values expected in a community.

Common phrases

  • 非行に走るhi kō ni hashi ru

    turn to delinquency

  • 非行を防ぐhi kō o fuse gu

    prevent delinquency

  • 非行から立ち直るhi kō ka ra ta chi nao ru

    recover from delinquency

  • 非行の原因hi kō no gen in

    cause of delinquency

Similar words

問題行動mondaikōdō: Conduct that violates social rules or expected standards, often by young people.
不良行為furyōkōi: Improper conduct that breaks accepted social rules and may cause harm or trouble.

Definition in Japanese

社会のきまりや道徳に背く行為。sha kai no ki ma ri ya dō toku ni somu ku kō i

Word origin

非 (hi, "wrong or contrary") modifies 行 (kō, "conduct"), forming a Sino-Japanese compound for conduct contrary to social standards.

Usage tips

  • The English word delinquency has financial and legal uses, but 非行 (hikō) commonly describes rule-breaking behavior, especially among minors.

Other meanings

  • misconductnoun

Opposites

  • 善行zenkōgood conductnoun

Related words

  • 非行性hikōseidelinquent tendencynoun

Word lists with this word