Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はしる
はしる (hashiru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
営む
いとなむ (itonamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はしる and 営む.
In Japanese, はしる (はしる (hashiru)) is typically associated with "to run" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Common verb for physical movement, typically for people or animals. Often used in the form '走る.
On the other hand, 営む (いとなむ (itonamu)) maps to "to run (a business), to operate, to carry on (a life/livelihood)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents ビジネスや生活など、継続的な活動を行うことを表します。. A literal translation of "run" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はしる"
彼は毎日公園を走ります。
He runs in the park every day.
Bilingual Context for "営む"
父は小さなカフェを営んでいる。
My father runs a small cafe.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は毎日公園を走ります。" (Meaning: "He runs in the park every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はしる" fits here because it means "to run" in the context of: "He runs in the park every day.". "営む" represents "to run (a business), to operate, to carry on (a life/livelihood)".