Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
営む
いとなむ (itonamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こき下ろす
こきおろす (kokiorosu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 営む and こき下ろす.
In Japanese, 営む (いとなむ (itonamu)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, こき下ろす (こきおろす (kokiorosu)) maps to "to run down, criticize" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "run" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "こき下ろす"
毎日、日本語を練習するためにこき下ろす。
Every day, I run down, criticize to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "父は小さなカフェを営んでいる。" (Meaning: "My father runs a small cafe.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "営む" fits here because it means "to run (a business), to operate, to carry on (a life/livelihood)" in the context of: "My father runs a small cafe.". "こき下ろす" represents "to run down, criticize".