行儀

ぎょうぎ

manners

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding 行儀 (ぎょうぎ)

The word 行儀 refers to manners or behavior, especially in social contexts. It often relates to how one conducts oneself in public or formal situations, such as sitting properly, speaking politely, or following etiquette rules.

Usage and Nuance

行儀 is commonly used to talk about good or bad manners. For example, 行儀がいい means "well-mannered," while 行儀が悪い means "ill-mannered." It is often used when discussing children's behavior or social etiquette like dining manners.

Common Collocations

  • 行儀がいい: good manners, polite behavior
  • 行儀が悪い: bad manners, rude behavior
  • 食事の行儀: table manners
  • 行儀よくする: to behave properly

These phrases are useful in everyday conversation when commenting on someone's behavior or teaching proper etiquette.

Register and Politeness

行儀 is a neutral to slightly formal noun. It is appropriate in both casual and polite conversations but is more common in educational or social etiquette contexts.

Learner Tip

Don't confuse 行儀 with 礼儀 (れいぎ), which also means etiquette but is more formal and often used in official or ceremonial contexts. 行儀 focuses more on everyday manners and behavior.

Example Sentences

こどもはぎょうぎよくすわってください。

Children, please sit with good manners.

かれはぎょうぎがわるいので、ちゅういされた。

He was scolded because of his bad manners.

しょくじのぎょうぎをまもることはたいせつです。

It is important to observe proper table manners.