Basic Meaning
"行く" (いく or ゆく) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Japanese, meaning "to go." It indicates movement from the speaker's current location to another place.
Usage Notes
The verb is often used with destination particles like に or へ to specify where someone is going. The reading "いく" is more common in everyday conversation, while "ゆく" appears in literary or poetic contexts.
Common Collocations
- 行く予定 (いくよてい): plan to go
- 行く途中 (いくとちゅう): on the way to
- 歩いて行く (あるいていく): go by walking
Register and Politeness
"行く" is the dictionary form and neutral in politeness. In polite speech, it becomes "行きます" (いきます).
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "行く" with "来る" (くる, to come). Remember, "行く" is used when moving away from the current location, while "来る" is used when moving toward the speaker's location.