进行

§ What does 进行 (jìnxíng) mean and when do people use it?

The Chinese verb 进行 (jìnxíng) is a really useful one to learn. It generally means 'to carry out', 'to conduct', or 'to be in progress'. Think of it as a way to describe an action or process that's happening or being executed. It's often used in more formal contexts than simply saying something 'is happening'.

You'll frequently see 进行 (jìnxíng) paired with a noun to form a verb phrase. This is a common structure in Chinese where a general verb like 进行 (jìnxíng) acts as an auxiliary, indicating that the action described by the following noun is being performed. It's a bit like saying 'to conduct an investigation' instead of just 'to investigate'.

DEFINITION

To carry out, to conduct, to be in progress.

Here are some common scenarios where 进行 (jìnxíng) is used:

• For formal actions or procedures: When talking about meetings, discussions, investigations, or reforms.
• To emphasize an ongoing process: It can highlight that an action is currently underway.
• In official announcements or news reports: You'll often hear or read it in more formal language.

Let's look at some examples to get a better feel for it:

Notice how in the first example, 进行 (jìnxíng) emphasizes that the meeting is actively happening right now. In the second, it shows that the investigation is being performed or conducted.

You wouldn't typically use 进行 (jìnxíng) for simple, everyday actions like 'eating' or 'walking'. It's reserved for more complex or formal activities. For example, you wouldn't say 进行吃饭 (jìnxíng chīfàn - to conduct eating). You'd just say 吃饭 (chīfàn - to eat). Knowing when to use it and when not to is key to sounding natural.

Consider this: if you can replace 'to do' or 'to carry out' in English and it still sounds natural, then 进行 (jìnxíng) is probably a good fit in Chinese. If not, then a simpler verb is likely better.

Here, 'carry out' fits perfectly, so 进行 (jìnxíng) is the correct choice. It signals a planned and executed action. Mastering 进行 (jìnxíng) will significantly improve your ability to communicate in more formal and nuanced Chinese contexts.

Alright, let's talk about the Chinese verb “进行” (jìnxíng). This word pops up all the time, especially in more formal contexts. If you want to sound like you know what you’re doing in Chinese, you need to get comfortable with “进行.” It basically means “to carry out,” “to conduct,” or to say something is “in progress.” Think of it as a way to formalize an action.

DEFINITION

To carry out, to conduct, to be in progress.

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

You'll find “进行” everywhere, but it's particularly common in professional, academic, and news settings. It adds a touch of formality and precision to the language. Let's break down how it's used in these different contexts.

§ In the workplace

In a work environment, “进行” is used to talk about tasks, projects, meetings, and other business activities. It's a key word for describing ongoing processes or planned actions.

• Meetings and discussions: You'll hear it for “holding a meeting” or “conducting a discussion.”

Translation hint: We are currently conducting an important meeting.

• Project work: When talking about different phases of a project, “进行” is very common.

Translation hint: This project is proceeding smoothly.

§ At school

In an academic context, “进行” is used for experiments, research, exams, and other educational activities.

• Experiments and research: If you're talking about scientific work, this word is essential.

Translation hint: The students are carrying out a physics experiment.

• Examinations: You’ll hear it when exams are happening.

Translation hint: The exam is in progress, please keep quiet.

§ In the news

News reports frequently use “进行” to describe events, investigations, and negotiations. It makes the reporting sound objective and formal.

• Investigations: When police or other authorities are looking into something.

Translation hint: The police are carrying out an investigation into this case.

• Negotiations and talks: For diplomatic or business discussions.

Translation hint: Representatives from both countries are conducting friendly talks.

As you can see, “进行” is a versatile word that signals a formal or structured execution of an action. Pay attention to how it's used in these contexts, and you'll quickly improve your understanding and command of more formal Chinese.

§ What is 进行 (jìnxíng)?

You've learned that 进行 (jìnxíng) means 'to carry out,' 'to conduct,' or 'to be in progress.' It's a versatile verb, but understanding its nuances and how it differs from similar-sounding verbs is key to using it correctly.

Think of 进行 as a more formal or general way to say that an action or process is happening or being done. It often precedes another verb or a noun phrase to describe the specific activity.

§ 进行 vs. 做 (zuò)

Both 进行 (jìnxíng) and 做 (zuò) can mean 'to do' or 'to carry out,' but they are not interchangeable. 做 (zuò) is much more general and refers to doing almost anything, from homework to a job to cooking. 进行 (jìnxíng) is more specific, often used for planned activities, formal processes, or activities that involve a certain procedure or stage.

DEFINITION

做 (zuò): to do, to make, to be.

You would say 做饭 (zuò fàn) for 'to cook,' not 进行饭 (jìnxíng fàn). However, you might say 进行调查 (jìnxíng diàochá) for 'to conduct an investigation,' where 做调查 (zuò diàochá) is also possible but often sounds less formal or less structured.

§ 进行 vs. 实行 (shíxíng)

实行 (shíxíng) also means 'to carry out' or 'to implement,' but it specifically refers to putting plans, policies, or systems into practice. It's about bringing something from theory into reality.

DEFINITION

实行 (shíxíng): to implement, to put into practice, to carry out (a policy, plan, etc.).

While you can say 进行改革 (jìnxíng gǎigé) for 'to carry out reforms,' 实行改革 (shíxíng gǎigé) emphasizes the actual implementation of those reforms. If the focus is on the process or duration, 进行 is often more suitable. If the focus is on the concrete execution of a rule or plan, 实行 is better.

§ When to use 进行 (jìnxíng)

Here are common situations where 进行 (jìnxíng) is the right choice:

• For formal or official actions: 进行谈判 (jìnxíng tánpàn - to conduct negotiations), 进行调查 (jìnxíng diàochá - to carry out an investigation).
• To describe a process in progress: 比赛正在进行中 (bǐsài zhèngzài jìnxíng zhōng - The match is in progress).
• With abstract nouns that denote an activity: 进行交流 (jìnxíng jiāoliú - to conduct an exchange), 进行讨论 (jìnxíng tǎolùn - to carry out a discussion).
• When emphasizing the act of performing an action, often with a double meaning of 'proceeding with' or 'advancing': 他在进行自己的计划。(Tā zài jìnxíng zìjǐ de jìhuà. - He is carrying out his plan.)

Mastering these distinctions will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise. Pay attention to the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.