Translation guide
Expresses the idea of what someone says and does, often as a combined concept. In Japanese, this is commonly rendered with set phrases or compound nouns.
To refer to both what someone says and what they do, often in contexts of consistency, character, or judgment.
The most common and neutral compound noun meaning 'words and actions' or 'speech and conduct'. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
彼の言動には一貫性がない。
His words and deeds are inconsistent.
言動に気をつけなさい。
Be careful of your words and actions.
A more formal or literary compound meaning 'words and deeds'. Often used in philosophical or ethical contexts.
言行一致を心がけている。
I try to practice what I preach (literally: consistency of words and deeds).
A more explicit, everyday phrase meaning 'words and actions'. Slightly less compact than 言動 but very clear.
言葉と行動が伴っていない。
Your words and actions don't match.
To emphasize that one's actions match one's words, or to criticize a mismatch.
A set phrase meaning 'consistency of words and deeds' or 'practicing what you preach'. Often used as a virtue.
リーダーには言行一致が求められる。
Leaders are expected to practice what they preach.
A more roundabout way to express 'do what one says'. Not a fixed phrase, but natural in conversation.
言ったことはちゃんと実行しなさい。
Make sure you do what you say.
To evaluate a person based on both what they say and what they do.
A common pattern meaning 'to judge by words and actions'.
人は言動で判断される。
People are judged by their words and deeds.
言動 (げんどう) is the most common and neutral term for 'words and actions'. 言行 (げんこう) is more formal and often appears in set phrases like 言行一致. In everyday speech, 言動 is preferred.
彼の言動は立派だった。
His words and actions were admirable.
言行一致は難しい。
Consistency of words and deeds is difficult.
A four-character idiom meaning 'to carry out what one has said'. Emphasizes following through on promises.
彼は有言実行の人だ。
He is a man of his word (literally: a person who does what he says).