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行動する
こうどうする (kōdō suru)
take action
彼はすぐに行動する人だ。
He is a person who takes action immediately.
neutral
To take action or behave in a particular way.
政府は環境保護のために新しい政策を実行することを決めた。
The government decided to take action by implementing new policies for environmental protection.
彼女は困難な状況でも常に前向きに行動する。
She always takes positive action even in difficult situations.
行動する emphasizes the act of doing something concrete or proactive, often in response to a situation or goal.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 行動する vs. する
Use 行動する when emphasizing concrete steps or movement toward a goal. Use する for general actions (e.g., 宿題をする 'to do homework'). 行動する sounds more deliberate and purposeful.
Gold Rule
行動する in passive contexts
行動する is rarely used in passive voice. Instead, use phrases like 行動が求められる (action is required) or 行動が必要だ (action is necessary).
Word Origin
行動 is a compound of 行 (kō, 'to go' or 'to act') and 動 (dō, 'to move'). The verb form 行動する combines these to mean 'to act' or 'to take action', first appearing in the Meiji era as a translation of Western concepts of action and behavior.
Usage Notes
行動する is a general-purpose verb for taking action. It is often used in contexts where proactive behavior is expected, such as decision-making, problem-solving, or leadership. Unlike する (to do), which is more abstract, 行動する implies concrete movement or steps toward a goal.
Word Breakdown
行
to go, to act
root動
to move
rootする
to do (as a verb suffix)
suffix和英辞典