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
駆ける
かける (kakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 営む and 駆ける.
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, 駆ける (かける (kakeru)) maps to "to run (quickly), to gallop, to dash" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies running quickly or at a full dash, often with a sense of urgency or speed. More dynamic and emphasizes speed compared to 走る. 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 "駆ける"
遅刻しそうだったので、駅まで全速力で駆けた。
I was about to be late, so I dashed to the station at full speed.
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.". "駆ける" represents "to run (quickly), to gallop, to dash".