Meaning

Primary

Filial Piety

Alternative

Showing Devotion

Word Type

noun, verbal noun, な adjective

Explanation

If you go towards filial piety, you are going to be doing filial piety. Do this for your parents.

孝行 is commonly used in the phrase 親孝行 (also meaning "filial piety") when someone does something kind or thoughtful for their parents, like visiting often, helping them, giving them a gift, or taking them on a trip. By extension, it can also sometimes describe showing devotion toward other loved ones — caring for and respecting them almost as though they were a parent.

Reading

こうこう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

もっと親孝行したいけど、なかなか時間がないんだよね。

I want to do better by my parents, but I just don't have the time.

彼女は孝行娘として有名です。

She's known by all as a devoted daughter.

親は「元気でいてくれるだけで孝行」と言うけど、それが実は一番難しいかもしれない。

My parents say "You can honor us just by staying happy and healthy," but that might actually be the toughest ask.

女房が死ぬ前に、もっと孝行しておくんだったな。

I wish I'd devoted myself more to my wife before she passed away.

Kanji Composition