Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Do" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "do", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
行う
おこなう (okonau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
なさる
なさる (nasaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "do" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 行う and なさる.
In Japanese, 行う (おこなう (okonau)) is typically associated with "to do, to conduct, to carry out, to perform" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents More formal than する. Typically used for conducting events, ceremonies, research, or official procedures..
On the other hand, なさる (なさる (nasaru)) maps to "to do (honorific form of する)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of する. A literal translation of "do" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "行う"
今日は会議が行われる予定だ。
A meeting is scheduled to be held today.
Bilingual Context for "なさる"
先生は何をなさいますか。
What will the teacher do?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は会議が行われる予定だ。" (Meaning: "A meeting is scheduled to be held today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "行う" fits here because it means "to do, to conduct, to carry out, to perform" in the context of: "A meeting is scheduled to be held today.". "なさる" represents "to do (honorific form of する)".