行儀

• Reading: ぎょうぎ
• Romaji: gyougi
• Kanji breakdown: 行 (gyou) — conduct, to go; 儀 (gi) — ceremony, manner
• Pronunciation: /ɡʲoː.ɡi/

Meaning

Manners; behavior; deportment. The way a person conducts themselves in social situations.

A noun referring to social etiquette and proper conduct, especially at the table or in formal settings. Most commonly appears in the expressions 行儀がいい (well-mannered) and 行儀が悪い (ill-mannered). Strongly associated with childhood upbringing and discipline in Japanese culture, where proper manners (しつけ) are highly valued.

Examples

1. 食事中の行儀が悪いと注意された。 I was told off for having bad manners during the meal.
2. あの子は行儀がよくて感心する。 That child has such good manners — I'm impressed.
3. 行儀よく座っていなさい。 Sit still and behave yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: parenting, dining, social etiquette

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 行 (conduct, to go) and 儀 (ceremony, ritual, manner). Originally a Buddhist term referring to proper ritual conduct, it expanded to mean everyday social manners and deportment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal