Meaning and Usage
"行い" (おこない) refers to a person's conduct, behavior, or actions, often with a moral or evaluative nuance. It is a noun commonly used in formal or written contexts to describe how someone behaves or what actions they take.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when discussing ethics, social behavior, or personal character. For example, it appears in phrases about good or bad deeds, moral judgment, or social responsibility.
Collocations and Patterns
- 行いが良い／悪い: good/bad conduct, used to evaluate someone's behavior.
- 善い行い: good deeds, often in moral or religious contexts.
- 行いを改める: to change one's behavior, implying self-improvement.
Register and Nuance
"行い" is more formal and literary than casual words like "すること" or "行動". It often carries a moral or evaluative tone, so it is common in discussions about ethics or character.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "行い" with "行動" (こうどう), which also means action or behavior. "行動" is more neutral and concrete, often referring to physical actions, while "行い" emphasizes moral or evaluative aspects of behavior.