徐行（じょこう、jokou）
- slow speed

The Japanese word 徐行 (じょこう, *jokou*) primarily means "slow down" or "proceed slowly." It is a traffic-related term indicating that a vehicle must reduce its speed and proceed with caution. The degree of slowness implies a speed low enough to allow for immediate stopping. The term emphasizes caution and awareness of potential hazards. ⚫︎ It is not just about reducing speed, but also maintaining a vigilant state.

⚫︎徐行してください。 Translation: Please slow down. ⚫︎この先、徐行願います。 Translation: Please proceed slowly ahead. ⚫︎工事中のため、徐行が必要です。 Translation: Due to construction, it is necessary to proceed slowly.

⚫︎ This word is most frequently used in the context of driving and road signs. ⚫︎ You'll see it on signs indicating areas where drivers must reduce their speed, such as near schools, construction zones, or areas with poor visibility. ⚫︎ It can also be used in more general contexts where caution is needed, like when discussing a sensitive topic. ⚫︎ When speaking, you might use it to directly instruct someone to slow down or to inform them of the need to do so. ⚫︎ One could use the verb form 徐行する (*jokou suru*) to indicate the action of slowing down.

⚫︎ The word 徐行 is typically written in kanji 徐行, with the reading written in hiragana as じょこう. ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana (送り仮名, the hiragana attached to kanji) is always 行 (こう, *kou*). ⚫︎ The verb form of 徐行 is 徐行する (*jokou suru*), meaning "to slow down" or "to proceed slowly."

⚫︎ 減速 (げんそく, *gensoku*) - slowing down, deceleration ⚫︎ ゆっくり進む (ゆっくりすすむ, *yukkuri susumu*) - to proceed slowly, to go slowly ⚫︎ 低速 (ていそく, *teisoku*) - low speed

⚫︎ 加速 (かそく, *kasoku*) - acceleration ⚫︎ 速度を上げる (そくどをあげる, *sokudo o ageru*) - to increase speed, to speed up

この道は狭いので、徐行運転をお願いします。 ・Translation: This road is narrow, so please drive slowly. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 徐行運転 (*jokou unten*), meaning "slow driving," in a request.

前方に信号があるので、徐行してください。 ・Translation: There is a traffic light ahead, so please slow down. ・Explanation: This sentence provides a specific reason (traffic light) for needing to 徐行.

⚫︎ The kanji 徐 (じょ, *jo*) means "gradual" or "slowly." ⚫︎ The kanji 行 (こう, *kou*) means "to go" or "to proceed." ⚫︎ Thus, the combined meaning represents the concept of "going slowly" or "proceeding gradually."