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
突き当たる
つきあたる (tsukiataru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 営む and 突き当たる.
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, 突き当たる (つきあたる (tsukiataru)) maps to "to run into, to collide with" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 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 "突き当たる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために突き当たる。
Every day, I run into, to collide with 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.". "突き当たる" represents "to run into, to collide with".