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Yojijukugo

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.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
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”).<br>• Antonym is “言行不一致,” commonly used in political or ethical criticism.
日本語で読む
• 言葉と行動の一致を重視することを表す「〜を求める」「〜を重んじる」（例：「言行一致を求める」）。<br>• 反対語は政治批判や倫理批判でよく使われる「言行不一致」。

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.
日本語で読む
単なる発言と行動の一致ではなく、道徳性やリーダーとしての誠実さを伴う点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 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.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 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.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「言行一致」 mean?

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