善 行(ぜんこう)

ぜんこう

noun

good deed; virtuous act

formalmorality

1. good deed; virtuous act; good conduct

A morally commendable action or behavior.

善行(ぜんこう)を積(つ)む。

To accumulate good deeds.

彼(かれ)は日(ひ)ごろから善行(ぜんこう)で知(し)られている。

He is known for his good deeds.

見返(みかえ)りを求(もと)めない善行(ぜんこう)こそが本当(ほんとう)の優(やさ)しさだと思(おも)う。

I think that good deeds done without expecting anything in return are true kindness.

Composed of 善(ぜん) (good, virtuous) + 行(こう) (conduct, deed). Refers to morally praiseworthy actions, often used in contexts related to ethics, religion, and character evaluation.

Common collocations

善行(ぜんこう)を積(つ)む: to accumulate good deeds
善行(ぜんこう)を行(おこな)う: to perform good deeds
善行(ぜんこう)を施(ほどこ)す: to bestow good deeds
日々(ひび)の善行(ぜんこう): daily acts of virtue

Similar words

善(よ)いこと: a good thing — everyday, casual expression; 善行(ぜんこう) is more formal and elevated
親切(しんせつ): kindness — describes the quality of being kind; 善行(ぜんこう) describes the action itself
功徳(くどく): merit (Buddhist) — specifically religious merit from good actions; 善行(ぜんこう) is broader
悪行(あくぎょう): evil deed — the opposite of 善行(ぜんこう)

Register

Somewhat formal and literary. Often appears in moral, religious, or philosophical discussions.

Related Words

Compare: 親切(しんせつ) (kindness)

Antonym: 悪行(あくぎょう) (evil deed)

general

Added 2026.4.5 3:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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