言動

• Reading: げんどう
• Romaji: gendou
• Kanji breakdown: 言 (gen) — speech, word, say; 動 (dou) — move, action, motion
• Pronunciation: /ɡeɴ.doː/

Meaning

Speech and conduct; words and actions. A person's overall behaviour as expressed through what they say and do.

A noun combining speech (言) and action (動) to describe someone's overall behaviour. Often used when evaluating or criticizing a person's conduct. Common collocations include 言動に注意する (to be careful about one's words and actions), 言動が問題になる (one's conduct becomes an issue), and 軽率な言動 (careless behaviour). Frequently appears in workplace, political, and social contexts.

Examples

1. 公の場では言動に気をつけなければならない。 You have to watch what you say and do in public.
2. あの政治家の言動が批判を浴びている。 That politician's words and actions are drawing criticism.
3. 子どもは親の言動をよく見ている。 Children pay close attention to what their parents say and do.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, politics, social commentary

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 言 (gen, speech/word) + 動 (dou, movement/action). A compact compound meaning 'words and movements' — the totality of how one expresses oneself.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal