同行

• Pinyin: tóng háng
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = 冂 (enclosure) + 口 (mouth) + 一; 行 = 彳 (step) + 亍 (movement)

Meaning

Colleague in the same profession; peer in the same industry. Refers to people who work in the same field or trade.

Emphasizes shared professional identity rather than working at the same company. Often used when discussing industry competition, professional exchange, or comparing standards within a field. Note: when pronounced tóngxíng, it means 'to travel together.'

Examples

1. 做这行的人都知道，同行是冤家，竞争非常激烈。 Everyone in this industry knows that peers are rivals, and competition is fierce.
2. 他在业内很有名气，受到同行们的一致认可。 He is very famous in the industry and has received unanimous recognition from his peers.
3. 参加这次学术会议可以认识很多同行，拓展人脉。 Attending this academic conference allows you to meet many peers and expand your network.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, business, academic

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们应该向同行学习先进经验。(We should learn from the advanced experience of our peers.)
• 同行之间要良性竞争。(There should be healthy competition among peers in the industry.)

Don't Say

• 我和同行一起去旅行 — 这里的'同行'会被误解为'一起走'(tóngxíng)，想说同业的人应该说'和同行的朋友'

Origin & History

Compound of 同 (same) + 行 (profession, trade). The character 行 here refers to a line of work or profession, as in 行业 (industry).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional