游行

• Pinyin: yóu xíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 游 = 氵(water) + 斿, meaning to move/travel; 行 = pictograph of a crossroads, meaning to walk

Meaning

To march; parade; demonstration. A public procession, often to express political views or celebrate.

Can refer to both celebratory parades and protest demonstrations. Common phrases: 游行示威 (demonstration march), 花车游行 (float parade), 游行队伍 (marching procession). Context determines whether festive or political.

Examples

1. 国庆节那天，市中心举行了盛大的花车游行。 On National Day, a grand float parade was held in the city center.
2. 工人们组织游行，要求提高工资和改善工作条件。 The workers organized a march demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
3. 每年的狂欢节，整个城市都会有持续几天的街头游行。 Every year during the carnival, there are street parades throughout the city lasting for days.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, celebrations, news

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他们组织了一场和平游行。(They organized a peaceful march.)
• 游行队伍经过了市政厅。(The parade passed by city hall.)

Don't Say

• 我们游行去超市 — 游行是有组织的公共行进，日常出行不用这个词

Origin & History

Compound of 游 (to move, travel) + 行 (to walk, go). Together meaning to parade or march through streets.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal