Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
走る
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 走る and 営む.
In Japanese, 走る (はしる (hashiru)) is typically associated with "to run" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for physical running. Polite form is 走ります.
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 "走る"
毎朝、公園を走ります。
I run in the park every morning.
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: "毎朝、公園を走ります。" (Meaning: "I run in the park every morning.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "走る" fits here because it means "to run" in the context of: "I run in the park every morning.". "営む" represents "to run (a business), to operate, to carry on (a life/livelihood)".