Chinese word

言行

Pronunciation

Pinyinyán xíng

Meaning

  • nounwords and actions

Example

请注意你的言行。qǐng zhù yì nǐ de yán xíng

Please watch your words and actions.

Illustration for 言行 (words and actions)

More examples

公众人物的言行常被放大解读。gōng zhòng rén wù de yán xíng cháng bèi fàng dà jiě dú

Public figures' words and actions are often examined in great detail.

Core concept

The visible pattern of a person's speech and behavior, treated together when judging reliability or character.

Common phrases

  • 注意言行zhù yì yán xíng

    mind one's words and actions

  • 言行一致yán xíng yí zhì

    words and actions match

  • 规范言行guī fàn yán xíng

    standardize one's words and actions

Similar words

言语yán yǔ: Speaking in general or the words used to express thoughts and ideas.
行动xíng dòng: A real action or course of action taken in a situation.
举动jǔ dòng: A concrete gesture or act of behavior that can be noticed in a particular moment.
表现biǎo xiàn: The way inner qualities or abilities appear outwardly through behavior or results.

Definition in Chinese

指一个人的言语和行为，常用来评价其是否言行一致以及判断品格。zhǐ yí gè rén de yán yǔ hé xíng wéi cháng yòng lái píng jià qí shì fǒu yán xíng yí zhì yǐ jí pàn duàn pǐn gé

Word origin

The compound 言 (yán, "speech") + 行 (xíng, "conduct") names two sides of personal behavior, so its meaning extends from separate words and acts to their overall consistency.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may associate words and actions mainly with promises, but this Chinese noun also fits ordinary comments and behavior when someone's conduct is being assessed.

Related words

  • 言行举止yán xíng jú zhǐspeech and conductnoun
  • 言行一致yán xíng yí zhìwords and actions matchidiom

Word lists with this word