Japanese meaning of 言行一致
Reading:
げんこういっち (genkou itchi)
English Translation:
Consistency between words and actions
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Consistency between one’s words and actions.
言葉と行動が一致していること。
Cultural Context:
Highly valued in Japanese culture, especially in leadership and public roles; inconsistency is often criticized.
日本文化では特に指導者や公的立場の人に求められ、不一致は批判される。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を求める” or “を重んじる” to describe valuing consistency between words and actions (“言行一致を求める”).
• Antonym is “言行不一致,” commonly used in political or ethical criticism.
Trap for English Speakers
Might be taken as a casual match between speech and action, but in Japanese it often implies moral or leadership integrity.
Example
Basic Example
彼は言行一致しているから信頼できる。
He is trustworthy because his actions match his words.
Applied Example
言行一致のリーダーがチームを引っ張った。
A leader whose actions matched his words led the team.