行く
iku[ikɯ̟]
The English phrase "go to" is translated into Japanese as 行く (iku).
行く is used to express the action of moving towards a destination. When you are heading to a specific place, you should follow the location with either the particle に or へ to indicate the direction or destination.
Meaning: to move towards (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 行く, the particles に (ni) or へ (e) are placed after a noun to indicate the destination. Additionally, the form ikitai is used to say "I want to go."
How do you pronounce it?
iku
Did you know?
- While most people use 行く (iku) in daily conversation, you might encounter the form 行く (yuku) in classical poetry or song lyrics. This older variation is often used to create a more elegant or nostalgic tone.
- The kanji 行 used in 行く is also used in the word 銀行 (ginkō) for 'bank', where it takes on a meaning related to 'administration' or 'conduct'.
- The word 行く is used in the phrase お行きなさい (o-ikinasai), which is a polite but firm command often used by parents to tell children to 'get going' or 'leave'.
Examples in context
- 市場に行く。I will go to the market.This sentence is useful for expressing the intention to go to the market with 行く.Tatoeba #5117746 by 999yudai, translation #4168189 by Wuzzy
- 私は公園に行く。I go to the park.This sentence is useful for expressing the habit or action of going to the park with 行く.Tatoeba #157179 by KK_kaku_, translation #257353 by CK
- 今夜教会に行くよ。We'll go to church this evening.This sentence is useful for expressing a future plan to go to church with 行く.Tatoeba #5117 by bunbuku, translation #2658103 by Joseph
- 276 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- 結衣 Yui週末はどこに行く？Shūmatsu wa doko ni iku?Where are you going this weekend?
- 大翔 Hiroto僕は図書館に行くよ。Boku wa toshokan ni iku yo.I'm going to the library.
- 結衣 Yuiいいな。私も一緒に行く。Ii na. Watashi mo issho ni iku.That's nice. I'll go with you.
- 大翔 Hirotoぜひ一緒に行こう。Zehi issho ni ikō.Let's definitely go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 行く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
