Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
逃げる
にげる (nigeru)
N4 / 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 逃げる and 営む.
In Japanese, 逃げる (にげる (nigeru)) is typically associated with "to run away; to escape" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when someone or something flees from danger, a difficult situation, or a person. Can be used literally.
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 "逃げる"
彼は危険から逃げた。
He ran away from danger.
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: "彼は危険から逃げた。" (Meaning: "He ran away from danger.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "逃げる" fits here because it means "to run away; to escape" in the context of: "He ran away from danger.". "営む" represents "to run (a business), to operate, to carry on (a life/livelihood)".