Meaning and Usage
"行き" (いき) primarily means "going" or "bound for" and is often used to indicate the destination of transportation such as trains, buses, or flights. It is a noun derived from the verb "行く" (to go) and frequently appears in compound phrases like "東京行き" (bound for Tokyo).
Common Collocations
- "東京行き" (Tokyo-bound): Used to specify the destination of a vehicle.
- "行きと帰り" (going and returning): Refers to departure and return trips.
- "行きの電車" (outbound train): The train going to a destination, as opposed to the return trip.
Usage Notes
When you see "行き" attached to a place name, it indicates the direction or destination. It is commonly used in timetables, tickets, and announcements. Learners sometimes confuse "行き" with "行く" (the verb), but "行き" is a noun and cannot be conjugated. Also, "行き" is often paired with "帰り" (かえり) meaning "return" to talk about round trips.
Register and Politeness
"行き" is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in transportation-related situations.