修行（しゅぎょう、shugiょu）
- training

The Japanese word 修行 (しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) encompasses the idea of "training," "discipline," "practice," or "asceticism," often with a spiritual or self-improvement component. It suggests a dedicated effort to improve skills, character, or understanding through rigorous practice and self-denial. It can refer to physical training, mental discipline, or spiritual development. The core idea is a sustained effort to achieve a higher state of being or skill. This often involves overcoming challenges and hardships. It is the process of [修行] (しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) that leads to enlightenment, mastery, or a higher level of ability.

⚫︎武道の修行(ぶどうのしゅぎょう) Translation: Martial arts training ⚫︎厳しい修行(きびしいしゅぎょう) Translation: Strict training/Severe discipline ⚫︎僧侶の修行(そうりょのしゅぎょう) Translation: Monk's ascetic practice

修行 (しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) is used to describe a wide range of dedicated practices. ⚫︎It is applicable to the rigorous training in martial arts, where physical and mental discipline are cultivated. ⚫︎It is also used to describe the practice of monks and other religious figures to improve themselves and seek enlightenment. ⚫︎Furthermore, the word can apply to artists and craftsmen who strive for mastery in their respective fields through continuous practice. ⚫︎ You can use it when talking about improving a certain skill, or self-discipline. ⚫︎ It is generally used in more formal or serious contexts.

修行 (しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) is typically written in kanji. The hiragana reading is しゅぎょう. There are no other ways to write this word. The okurigana is fixed. The kanji 修 (しゅう) means "to repair," "to study," or "to master." The kanji 行 (ぎょう) means "to do," "to go," or "practice." Together, they create the idea of practicing to improve or master something. The kanji alone, like 修(しゅう), can be used as a verb.

⚫︎鍛錬(たんれん, *tanren*) - training, discipline (more focused on physical training). ⚫︎練習(れんしゅう, *renshuu*) - practice (general practice of skills). ⚫︎稽古(けいこ, *keiko*) - practice (particularly for traditional arts and skills). ⚫︎修行(しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) has a deeper meaning and connotation than these.

⚫︎There is no single direct antonym. The opposite could be seen as "lack of training," "idleness," or "giving up." Depending on the context, words like 怠惰(たいだ, *taida*) - laziness, or 放棄(ほうき, *houki*) - abandonment, might be relevant.

彼は毎朝、剣道の修行をしています。 ・Translation: He does kendo training every morning. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 修行 can be used to describe the practice of a martial art like kendo.

お寺で修行をして、心を鍛える。 ・Translation: Practice asceticism at the temple to cultivate the mind. ・Explanation: This sentence shows 修行 in the context of religious practice and spiritual development, emphasizing the cultivation of the mind.

The word 修行 (しゅぎょう, *shugyou*) is formed from two kanji. 修(しゅう), which means "to cultivate," "to train," "to repair," and 行(ぎょう), which means "to do," "to act," or "to perform." The combination, therefore, signifies the act of cultivating or training oneself through practice and action. This highlights the practical and active nature of the concept.