Meanings of 行人
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About 行人
Podcast: 行人
Podcast: 行人
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AI Study Notes for 行人
行人 (xíngrén) vs 旅人 (lǚrén) — use 行人 specifically for pedestrians in public spaces, while 旅人 refers to travelers, often in a broader sense.
Imagine a '行' (hang) signpost on a busy street where '人' (ren) is walking with a suitcase. Picture this pedestrian being an official from ancient times, helping people meet the emperor, hence '行人' represents both modern travelers and historical facilitators.
Learners often confuse 行人 with 乘客 (passenger) as both relate to travel. However, 行人 specifically implies someone walking rather than using a vehicle. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, and students should note the tone; the second tone in '行' and the second tone in '人' can be challenging.
At HSK Level 5, understanding 行人 helps link to other travel-related vocabulary such as 交通 (transportation) and 游客 (tourist). Students should focus on usage in context, such as in sentences related to urban environments or historical texts.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a traveler or pedestrian was historically significant, especially during times when official audiences played a crucial role in governance. The term reflects the importance of personal interactions in both ancient and modern contexts.
Students might mistakenly use 行人 to refer to any type of traveler, including those in vehicles. For example, saying '行人乘坐汽车' (pedestrians take a car) is incorrect; the correct term for passengers would be 乘客.
Pronunciation of 行人
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 行人
行人 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
雨还在下着。街上几乎没有____。远处的路灯发出昏黄的光。
The rain was still falling. There were almost no pedestrians on the street. The distant streetlights gave off a dim yellow glow.
Example Sentences for 行人 (4)
Cultural Notes for 行人
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a traveler or pedestrian was historically significant, especially during times when official audiences played a crucial role in governance. The term reflects the importance of personal interactions in both ancient and modern contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 行人
行人 refers specifically to pedestrians or those traveling on foot, while 游客 refers to tourists, who may be using various forms of transportation.