The Meaning of jōkō [徐行] In Japanese

徐行
じょこう
Romaji: jōkō N4

What does 徐行 mean?

Translation and Meaning

go slowly, move at a slow pace

Definition

徐行 means to go slowly; to move at a slow pace, especially by reducing speed in traffic or when caution is required.

Type

noun (名詞); can function as a standalone noun or appear in the suru-verb form 徐行する

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • deliberate, controlled pace in safety-critical contexts, highlighting the need to reduce speed and proceed with care.
  • figurative use for gradual, careful progression in tasks, projects, or negotiations, implying patience and caution.
  • formal or regulatory register, commonly appearing in signs, safety manuals, and official documents rather than casual speech.

Etymology

じょこう is the on’yomi reading formed by combining 徐(じょ) and 行(こう); the pronunciation follows standard Sino-Japanese compounding patterns rather than native readings.

Composition

  • 徐: gradual, slow, delaying; conveys a request to ease the pace
  • 行: to go, to move, to act

Usage

徐行 is used primarily in formal, official, or traffic-related contexts to indicate reduced speed and cautious motion; it is commonly seen on road signs, safety manuals, and technical documentation, while in everyday conversation speakers typically use 減速する or ゆっくり進む.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: 徐 implies easing or pausing before action, while 行 means move; imagine easing your foot off the accelerator before going.

Variations

  • 減速 gen-soku – decelerate
  • 慎重に進む shinchō ni susumu – proceed cautiously
  • 急速に進む kyūsoku ni susumu – advance rapidly

Example Phrases

  • 車は 徐行 して 子どもを 見守る。
    Kuruma wa jokou shite kodomo o mimamoru.
    The car slows down and watches over the child.
    Lista:
    • 車は (kuruma wa) – the car (topic)
    • 徐行 (jokou) – going slowly
    • して (shite) – and (do)
    • 子どもを (kodomo o) – the child (object)
    • 見守る (mimamoru) – watch over
    Here, 「徐行」 means ‘going slowly’ as a noun; it is connected to 見守る by して to describe performing the action.
徐行