進行

• Reading: しんこう
• Romaji: shinkou
• Kanji breakdown: 進 (shin) — advance, proceed; 行 (kou) — go, travel, conduct
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.koː/

Meaning

Advance; progress; proceeding forward. The act of moving forward or developing over time.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (進行する). Used in multiple contexts: 病気が進行する (disease progresses), 工事が進行中 (construction in progress), 進行方向 (direction of travel), 司会進行 (MC proceedings). Focuses on continuous forward movement rather than completion. A homophone of 信仰 (faith) — context distinguishes them.

Examples

1. 工事は予定どおり進行している。 The construction is proceeding on schedule.
2. 病気の進行を止めるために薬を飲んでいる。 I'm taking medication to stop the progression of the disease.
3. 電車の進行方向に向かって座った。 I sat facing the direction the train was traveling.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, construction, events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 進 (shin, to advance) and 行 (kou, to go/proceed). Together, 'advancing and proceeding' — continuous forward movement or development.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal