行く
iku[ikɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for "to go" or "to move toward a place" is yuku.
The verb describes the action of moving toward a destination. While the dictionary form is typically pronounced as iku, it is sometimes pronounced as yuku in certain poetic or archaic contexts.
Which one should you use?
The verb has several forms depending on the context. 行く (iku) is the standard dictionary form. Ikimasu (行きます) is the standard polite form. Mairu (参る) is a humble form used to express respect when visiting someone or going to a superior's place.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes according to tense and polarity: the past tense is itta (行った), and the negative form is ikanai (行かない).
How do you pronounce it?
iku
Did you know?
- The pronunciation yuku is a relic of high-prestige classical literature, such as the 'Man'yōshū'. While 'iku' is the modern standard, 'yuku' carries a poetic, sophisticated weight that sounds more old-fashioned to Japanese ears.
- The pronunciation yuku follows a historical pattern of alternation also seen in the word for 'dream'. The archaic version of 'dream' was ime, which evolved into the modern yume.
Examples in context
- Ashita Tokyo e ikimasu. (明日東京へ行きます。)I will go to Tokyo tomorrow.
- Kouen ni ikou! (公園に行こう！)Let's go to the park!
- 学校へ行く。Gakkō e iku.I go to school.
- スーパーへ買い物に行く。Sūpā e kaimono ni iku.I go to the supermarket to shop.
- どこへ行くの？Doko e iku no?Where are you going?
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are at home discussing their plans.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、どこへ行くの？Ren-kun, doko e iku no?Ren, where are you going?
- 蓮 Ren駅へ行くよ。Eki e iku yo.I am going to the station.
- 陽葵 Himari私も行く！Watashi mo iku!I'm going too!
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、一緒に行こう。Jā, issho ni ikō.Then, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 行く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 行く, CC BY-SA 4.0.
