In 15 Seconds
- The universal Chinese word for 'okay' or 'deal.'
- Use it to agree to plans, prices, or requests.
- Short, one-syllable response that sounds natural and decisive.
- Avoid in deeply emotional or overly formal situations.
Meaning
It is a simple, versatile way to say 'okay,' 'sure,' or 'deal.' It signals agreement, permission, or that a plan works for you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Agreeing on a meeting time
明天下午三点见,行吗?行。
See you tomorrow at 3 PM, okay? Okay.
Accepting a task from a boss
这份报告今天发给我。行,没问题。
Send me this report today. Okay, no problem.
Texting a friend about dinner
去吃火锅吧?行!
Let's go eat hotpot? Sure!
Cultural Background
Used constantly in daily life. It is the most common way to say 'yes' to a plan. Also used, but you might hear '可以' (kěyǐ) slightly more often in certain social contexts. In formal meetings, '行' is acceptable but '好的' is often preferred for a slightly more professional tone.
Double it!
Saying '行行' makes you sound more casual and friendly.
Don't use for walking
Never use '行' to describe the physical act of walking.
In 15 Seconds
- The universal Chinese word for 'okay' or 'deal.'
- Use it to agree to plans, prices, or requests.
- Short, one-syllable response that sounds natural and decisive.
- Avoid in deeply emotional or overly formal situations.
What It Means
行 (xíng) is your go-to word for 'okay.' It is short, punchy, and incredibly common. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a thumbs-up. It means something is doable or acceptable. It is less about 'yes' and more about 'fine by me.'
How To Use It
Use it as a one-word answer to almost any proposal. If someone asks to meet at 5 PM, just say 行. You can also turn it into a question. Add a 吗 (ma) to the end to ask 行吗? (Is that okay?). It is like asking for a green light. It is one of the easiest words to pronounce. Just remember it sounds a bit like 'shing' with a rising tone.
When To Use It
You can use it in nearly every daily interaction. Use it with your boss to accept a task. Use it with a street vendor when agreeing on a price. It is perfect for texting when you are in a rush. It works great when a friend suggests a movie. It feels natural, helpful, and decisive. It shows you are an easy-going person who is ready to move forward.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for deep emotional agreement. If someone asks if you love them, 行 is a terrible answer. It sounds way too business-like there. Also, avoid it if the situation requires extreme formality. In a high-stakes legal meeting, use more formal terms. It can sometimes sound a bit dismissive if said too quickly. Avoid using it if you actually disagree but are being passive-aggressive. That 'fine' will sound just as cold in Chinese as in English.
Cultural Background
The character 行 originally depicted a crossroad. It represents movement and flow. In Chinese culture, being 'flexible' is a highly valued trait. By saying 行, you are showing you are 'easy to talk to' (好说话). It reflects a pragmatic society where getting things done matters. It is the sound of a deal being struck in a bustling market. It is the ultimate 'can-do' attitude word.
Common Variations
You will often hear 行行行 (xíng xíng xíng) when someone is being rushed. It is like saying 'okay, okay, I get it!' You might also hear 那行吧 (nà xíng ba). This means 'well, okay then,' usually implying a slight compromise. If something is definitely not okay, just say 不行 (bù xíng). That is the universal 'no-go' signal. For extra emphasis, try 太行了 (tài xíng le) to mean 'that's great!'
Usage Notes
Mainly used in spoken conversation. It sits perfectly between casual and professional registers, making it a safe bet for most daily encounters.
Double it!
Saying '行行' makes you sound more casual and friendly.
Don't use for walking
Never use '行' to describe the physical act of walking.
Examples
6明天下午三点见,行吗?行。
See you tomorrow at 3 PM, okay? Okay.
A standard way to confirm a schedule.
这份报告今天发给我。行,没问题。
Send me this report today. Okay, no problem.
Shows professional compliance without being overly stiff.
去吃火锅吧?行!
Let's go eat hotpot? Sure!
Commonly used in messaging apps like WeChat.
别闹了,行不行?
Stop messing around, okay?
Using '行不行' adds a bit of weight to the request.
五十块可以吗?行吧。
Is fifty yuan okay? Alright, fine.
The 'ba' at the end shows a slight, reluctant agreement.
你想跑着去上海?你真行。
You want to run to Shanghai? You're really something.
Here, '行' is used sarcastically to mean 'you're unbelievable.'
Test Yourself
Which response is most natural for agreeing to a friend's plan?
A: 我们去吃火锅? B: ____
'行' is the standard way to agree to a suggestion.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA: 我们去吃火锅? B: ____
'行' is the standard way to agree to a suggestion.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is very common and neutral.
Yes, but '好的' is safer.
Related Phrases
可以
synonymCan/Okay
没问题
similarNo problem
好的
similarGood/Okay