official responsible for arranging audiences with the emperor
HSK 5, n, rank #14607, Medium
xíngrén(xing2ren2) T2
1pedestrian
2traveler on foot
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
行人xíngrén(xing2ren2)
行人 refers to a pedestrian or a traveler on foot. It is commonly used to describe someone walking in a public space, as well as in formal contexts to denote officials responsible for facilitating audiences in imperial times. The term encompasses both modern and historical meanings, reflecting the evolution of travel and interaction in Chinese society.
Frequency#14607DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
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.
Memory Tip
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.
Meanings of 行人
xíngrén(xing2ren2)
1pedestrian
2traveler on foot
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 行人
行人Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14607Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 行人
Podcast: 行人
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 行人
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 行人
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 行人 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 行人 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
More than a third of all pedestrian injuries are to children.
4
路过这一带的行人听到过水平很高的街头演唱。
lù guò zhè yī dài de háng rén tīng dào guò shuǐ píng hěn gāo de jiē tóu yǎn chàng。
Passers-by in the area have been treated to some high-quality busking.
Cultural Notes for 行人
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Yes, 行人 can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing historical roles or in urban planning discussions.
No, 行人 can refer to pedestrians in any area, urban or rural, but it is more commonly discussed in the context of city life.
