Meaning
行为 refers to a person's conduct, actions, or behavior, especially in terms of how they act in society or in specific situations. It can describe both individual actions and patterns of behavior, and is commonly used in formal or academic contexts when discussing human conduct.
Usage
This word is relatively formal and is frequently used in written Chinese, news reports, academic discussions, and legal contexts. It often appears in phrases describing types of behavior (违法行为 'illegal behavior', 不当行为 'improper conduct'). In casual conversation, people might use 做法 or 表现 instead for less formal situations.
Examples
- 01这种行为是不可接受的。.This kind of behavior is unacceptable.
- 02我们应该规范自己的行为。.We should regulate our own behavior.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种行为
- 个一个行为
Common collocations
- 违法行为illegal behavior
- 不当行为improper conduct
- 行为规范code of conduct
- 犯罪行为criminal behavior
Origin
Both characters relate to action and doing. 行 originally depicted a crossroads, implying movement and action, while 为 depicts a hand leading an elephant, symbolizing accomplishing tasks. Together they form a word meaning 'actions one takes' or 'how one conducts oneself'.