並行する

• Reading: へいこうする
• Romaji: heikou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 並 (hei/nara) — line up, side by side; 行 (kou/i) — go, proceed, carry out
• Pronunciation: /heː.koː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To do at the same time; to run in parallel. Describes carrying out multiple activities or processes simultaneously.

A する verb meaning to proceed in parallel or concurrently. Used when two or more tasks, projects, or processes are carried out at the same time. Common in work, study, and project management contexts. Can also mean to run physically parallel (e.g. parallel lines), but the temporal sense is more frequent at N2 level.

Examples

1. 仕事と資格の勉強を並行して進めている。 I'm progressing with my job and studying for a qualification at the same time.
2. 二つのプロジェクトを並行するのは大変だ。 Running two projects in parallel is tough.
3. 調査と分析を並行して行った。 We carried out the investigation and analysis simultaneously.

Usage Guide

Context: work, project management, study

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 並 (line up, side by side) and 行 (go, proceed). Literally means to proceed side by side, evoking the image of two paths running alongside each other.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional