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逆行 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
逆行nìxíngto go the wrong wayHSK 7, v, 15 strokes, rank #26252, Very Hard
逆行nìxíngto go against one-way traffic regulationHSK 7, v, 15 strokes, rank #26252, Very Hard
nìxíng(ni4xing2)ni xing T4
  1. 1to go the wrong way
  2. 2to go against one-way traffic regulation
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March 24, 2026

逆行nìxíng(ni4xing2)

The term '逆行' means to go against the direction of traffic, often referring to vehicles or pedestrians moving the wrong way on a one-way street. It can also imply acting contrary to a prescribed or expected path in a broader metaphorical sense. This term is commonly used in discussions about road safety and traffic regulations.

Strokes15Frequency#26252DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

'逆行' reflects the importance of traffic regulations in Chinese cities, where adherence to rules is often emphasized to prevent accidents. The concept of following the right path is also a common metaphor in Chinese literature and philosophy.

Memory tip

Imagine a car with a large 'NO' sign driving backwards down a one-way street, symbolizing '逆行' or 'going the wrong way'. The left radical '逆' suggests opposition, while '行' relates to movement, helping you remember that this word signifies moving against the flow.

Meanings of 逆行

nìxíng(ni4xing2)
1to go the wrong way
2to go against one-way traffic regulation
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About 逆行

逆行Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#26252Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

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AI study notes for 逆行

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '逆行' with '顺行' (shùn xíng), which means to go in the correct direction. '逆行' is more formal and is often used in traffic contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Tone accuracy is important; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, '逆行' connects to other traffic-related vocabulary such as '交通' (jiāotōng, traffic) and '规则' (guīzé, rules). Focus on using it in sentences that describe traffic situations or safety advice to enhance your practical vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '逆行' with '逆风' (nì fēng), which means to go against the wind. Remember that '逆行' specifically refers to traffic direction, while '逆风' refers to wind direction. A common error is saying '我在逆风' instead of '我在逆行'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 逆行

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Component characters

逆nìcontrary
HSK 79 strokes辶
View full entry
行xíngto walk
HSK 36 strokes行
View full entry

How to say to go the wrong way in Chinese

“to go the wrong way” in Chinese is逆行nìxíng

The term '逆行' means to go against the direction of traffic, often referring to vehicles or pedestrians moving the wrong way on a one-way street. It can also imply acting contrary to a prescribed or expected path in a broader metaphorical sense. This term is commonly used in discussions about road safety and traffic regulations.

When to use 逆行

Be careful not to confuse '逆行' with '顺行' (shùn xíng), which means to go in the correct direction. '逆行' is more formal and is often used in traffic contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Tone accuracy is important; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '逆行' with '逆风' (nì fēng), which means to go against the wind. Remember that '逆行' specifically refers to traffic direction, while '逆风' refers to wind direction. A common error is saying '我在逆风' instead of '我在逆行'.

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逆
行

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Frequently asked questions about 逆行

Yes, it can metaphorically describe going against the norm or expected behavior in various situations.

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