Translation and Meaning of: 行う - okonau
The Japanese word 行う [おこなう] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language. Its main meaning is "to perform" or "to execute," but its application goes beyond the literal sense. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the term to its everyday use and tips for memorization. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese use this word in daily life or why it appears so frequently, keep reading to find out.
Meaning and Translation of 行う
The verb 行う is often translated as "to carry out," "to execute," or "to conduct." It is used to describe actions that involve planning and realization, such as events, ceremonies, or specific tasks. Unlike other similar verbs, 行う carries a more formal tone, being common in organizational and public contexts.
In comparison to terms like する (suru - to do) or やる (yaru - to do in a more casual way), 行う (okonau) implies a more structured execution. For example, while する can be used for everyday activities, 行う appears more in situations like "hold a meeting" (会議を行う - kaigi o okonau) or "execute a project" (プロジェクトを行う - purojekuto o okonau).
Origin and Writing of Kanji
The kanji 行, which composes the verb, has Chinese origins and means "to go" or "to walk". In the context of 行う, it acquires the nuance of "putting into action". This character is composed of the radical 彳 (double step), which reinforces the idea of movement and execution. The combination with the okurigana う transforms the meaning into something more abstract, related to the execution of activities.
It is worth noting that 行う is one of the oldest verbs in the Japanese language, with records dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Its presence in classical texts and official documents shows how it has always been linked to formal and ceremonial actions, a trait that persists to this day.
Everyday Use and Memorization Tips
In Japan, 行う is widely used in professional and academic contexts. Phrases like 試験を行う (to conduct an exam) or 式典を行う (to hold a ceremony) are common in formal environments. Its serious tone makes it less frequent in casual conversations, where する or やる are preferred.
To memorize 行う, one tip is to associate the kanji 行 with situations that require planning. Think of "putting something into motion," like a project or event. Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as 会議を行う (hold a meeting), to reinforce the correct usage.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Verb conjugation of 行う
- 行う - base form
- 行います - Polished form
- 行った - past form
- 行われる - passive form
- 行える - potential form
- 行いましょう - imperative form
Synonyms and similar words
- 実施する (Jisshi suru) - Perform, implement
- 施行する (Shikō suru) - Enforce (laws, regulations)
- 執り行う (Toriokonau) - Conduct, carry out (ceremonies)
- 行なう (Okonau) - execute, carry out
- 行き渡る (Ikitataru) - To be distributed (widely)
- 行き届く (Ikidodoku) - Being provided with attention to detail
- 行き交う (Ikikau) - Circular, pass by each other (people, vehicles)
- 行き来する (Ikikiri suru) - Going and coming, comings and goings
- 行き先 (Ikisaki) - destiny
- 行き止まり (Ikidomari) - Dead end
- 行き違い (Ikijigai) - Misunderstanding, mismatch
- 行き過ぎる (Ikisugiru) - Pass (from the desired point)
- 行く手 (Ikute) - Path, direction (future)
- 行く先 (Ikusaki) - Destination (future)
- 行く手を阻む (Ikute o habamu) - Prevent progress
- 行く手を遮る (Ikute o sageru) - Obstruct the way
- 行く手を断つ (Ikute o tatsu) - Interrupt the path
- 行く手を塞ぐ (Ikute o fusagu) - Block the way
Related words
moyoosu
Maintain (a meeting); Give (a dinner); to feel; Show signs of; Develop symptoms of; Feel (sick)
Romaji: okonau
Kana: おこなう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: perform; do; behave; execute
Meaning in English: to perform;to do;to conduct oneself;to carry out
Definition: to do something, to accomplish something.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (行う) okonau
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (行う) okonau:
Example Sentences - (行う) okonau
See below some example sentences:
Fusei na kōi wa yurusarenai
Illegal behavior is not allowed.
Unauthorized acts are not allowed.
- 不正な - means "illegal" or "inappropriate".
- 行為 - It means "act" or "action".
- は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 許されない - It means "not allowed" or "not tolerated".
Hōru de konsāto ga okonawaremasu
A concert will be held at the hall.
A concert will be held at the hall.
- ホール (hōru) - Concert hall
- で (de) - in, no, na
- コンサート (konsāto) - concerto
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 行われます (okonawaremashita) - it will be done, it will be done
Demo ga okonawaremashita
A demonstration was held.
A demonstration was held.
- デモ - "Demo" in Japanese
- が - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 行われました - 行われた (okonawareta)
Kono shiken no saiten wa kousei ni okonawaremashita
The correction of this exam was done fairly.
The score of this exam was quite fair.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 試験 - noun meaning "exam" or "test"
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 採点 - noun meaning "correction" or "evaluation"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
- に - particle that indicates the way or manner in which something is done
- 行われました - verb in the passive form meaning "was accomplished" or "was done"
Kono shisutemu no unyō wa sumūzu ni okonawarete imasu
The operation of this system is carried out smoothly.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- システム - substantive that means "system"
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 運用 - noun that means "operation" or "maintenance"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- スムーズに - adverb that means "gently" or "without problems"
- 行われています - verb meaning "to be carried out" or "to be executed" in the present continuous
Koumu wa kokumin no tame ni okonawareru juuyou na shigoto desu
Public affairs are an important job for people.
- 公務 - public work
- は - Topic particle
- 国民 - citizens of the country
- のために - for the benefit of
- 行われる - completed
- 重要な - important
- 仕事 - work
- です - is
Aisatsu wa taisetsu na shakou koui desu
Greetings are an important social act.
- 挨拶 (aisatsu) - greeting
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
- な (na) - adjective particle
- 社交 (shakou) - socialization, social interaction
- 行為 (koui) - action, behavior
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Yōten o osaete purezentēshon o okonaimashita
We performed a presentation keeping the main points.
- 要点 (youten) - main point
- を (wo) - object particle
- 押さえて (osaete) - holding, keeping under control
- プレゼンテーション (purezentesyon) - presentation
- を (wo) - object particle
- 行いました (okonaimashita) - carried out
Sagi wa yurusarenai koui desu
Fraud is an unacceptable action.
Fraud is an unacceptable act.
- 詐欺 - fraud
- は - Topic particle
- 許されない - unforgivable
- 行為 - after
- です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Other Words of this Type: verb
See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb
