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
徐行
jokou
going slowly
N1
走行
soukou
running a wheeled vehicle (e.g., car, traveling)
N1
修行
shugyou
pursuit of knowledge, training, ascetic practice
N2
～行
～gyou
line, row
N2
行っていらっしゃい
itteirasshai
have a nice day, see you
N2
行ってらっしゃい
itterasshai
have a nice day, see you
N2
売行き
ureyuki
sales
N2
売れ行き
ureyuki
sales, demand
N2
行事
gyouji
event, function