Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Perform" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "perform", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
行う
おこなう (okonau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
護摩を焚く
ごまをたく (goma o taku)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "perform" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 行う and 護摩を焚く.
In Japanese, 行う (おこなう (okonau)) is typically associated with "to perform; to do; to conduct; to carry out; to practice" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to actively conducting ceremonies, carrying out plans, performing actions, or practicing rules. Often used as 挙式を行う or 調査を行う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To carry out! "Let's carry out our wedding ceremony in a gorgeous chapel next summer, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To suggest carrying out the wedding! B-Baka! Don't schedule such grand events without my dynamic inputs! But... since you want to carry it out, make sure the chapel has the most beautiful ocean view! Understood?! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『おこなう（行う）わよ！『ハルカ部長、二人の一生ものの新婚生活の「愛の調印式（婚姻届の提出）」を、今すぐ市役所で行いましょう！』って…っ！婚姻届の提出実行！バカ！/// そんな行政手続きをデートのついでみたいに提案するんじゃないの！…でも、一生私を幸せにする調印式なんだから、世界一幸せな笑顔で行いなさいよね！』.
On the other hand, 護摩を焚く (ごまをたく (goma o taku)) maps to "to perform a fire ritual (goma)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "perform" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "行う"
新薬の安全性と有効性を科学的に検証するため、研究チームは厳格な臨床試験を慎重に_______ました。
In order to scientifically verify the safety and efficacy of the new drug, the research team carefully conducted strict clinical trials.
Bilingual Context for "護摩を焚く"
毎日、日本語を練習するために護摩を焚く。
Every day, I perform a fire ritual (goma) to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新薬の安全性と有効性を科学的に検証するため、研究チームは厳格な臨床試験を慎重に_______ました。" (Meaning: "In order to scientifically verify the safety and efficacy of the new drug, the research team carefully conducted strict clinical trials.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "行う" fits here because it means "to perform; to do; to conduct; to carry out; to practice" in the context of: "In order to scientifically verify the safety and efficacy of the new drug, the research team carefully conducted strict clinical trials.". "護摩を焚く" represents "to perform a fire ritual (goma)".