Word
行う
Meaning in Englishcarry out, conduct, perform
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
行う denotes the deliberate execution of an action or plan; it covers performing tasks, conducting ceremonies, and implementing policies, typically in formal or neutral contexts.
Main meanings
- to perform an action or task
- to conduct or host an event, ceremony, or meeting
- to implement or enact a plan, policy, or procedure
- to undertake something in a formal or ceremonial sense
How to use it
Used with を to mark the direct object: 計画を行う, 会議を行う, 式を行う; common in formal writing and media; in casual speech, 実施する or する is often preferred
Variants and close terms
- 実施する (jisshi suru) – to implement or carry out
- 執り行う (toriokonau) – to conduct a formal ceremony
- 行なう (okonau) – variant spelling
- 遂行する (suikō suru) – to fulfill, carry through
- 中止する (ちゅうし する) – antonym: to discontinue
Composition
- 行: core meaning relates to action, conduct, or going; the combination with う yields the verb sense of performing an action
Etymology
行 + ふ (old kana) formed a native verb; phonetic evolution moved from the classical form okonau (written as 行ふ) to the modern reading okonau with the kana ending う
Origin
Earliest attestations appear in classical Japanese texts; usage expanded across periods, becoming common in modern Japanese for actions ranging from planned tasks to public ceremonies
Word class
Verb (動詞) (transitive)
Related words by kanji and components
N1
行為
koui
act, deed, conduct
N1
行進
koushin
march, parade
N1
現行
genkou
present, current, in operation
N1
行い
okonai
conduct, behavior, action
N1
強行
kyoukou
forcing, enforcement
N1
行政
gyousei
administration
N1
施行
shikou
enforcement, operation
N1
行き違い
ikichigai
misunderstanding, disagreement
N1
移行
ikou
switching over to