Japanese symbol for “act”

行為

こうい

Romaji: koui

act; deed; conduct

In Japanese, act is 行為, read こうい (koui).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

n act; deed; conduct

Kanji and stroke order

行

going, journey, carry out

on: コウ、ギョウ、アン
kun: い.く、ゆ.く、-ゆ.き、-ゆき

6 strokes · JLPT 4

為

do, change, make

on: イ
kun: ため、な.る、な.す、す.る

9 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “act”

Word	Reading	Meaning
法律	ほうりつ houritsu	law; legislation; act
演じる	えんじる enjiru	to act (a part); to play (a role)
法令	ほうれい hourei	statute; law; act
行い	おこない okonai	deed; act; action
演ずる	えんずる enzuru	to act (a part); to play (a role)

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
行動	こうどう koudou	action; conduct; behaviour
行う	おこなう okonau	to perform; to do; to conduct oneself
銀行	ぎんこう ginkou	bank; banking institution
行き	いき iki	the way there; outbound leg; outbound trip
旅行	りょこう ryokou	travel; trip; journey
為替	かわせ kawase	money order; draft
為政者	いせいしゃ iseisha	statesman; administrator; politician
無為	むい mui	idleness; inactivity