行う

• Reading: おこなう
• Romaji: okonau
• Kanji breakdown: 行 (kou/gyou/oko) — go, carry out, conduct
• Pronunciation: /o.ko.na.ɯ/

Meaning

To carry out; to conduct; to perform. Used for formal actions, events, and procedures.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the う row. More formal than する and typically appears in written language, news, and official contexts. Common in phrases like 実験を行う (conduct an experiment) and 式を行う (hold a ceremony).

Examples

1. 来週、学校でスポーツ大会を行います。 We're holding a sports tournament at school next week.
2. 毎年この神社でお祭りを行っている。 A festival is held at this shrine every year.
3. 安全のために検査を行う必要があります。 We need to conduct an inspection for safety.

Usage Guide

Context: news, official events, academic writing

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From the kanji 行 meaning 'go' or 'carry out.' Originally related to walking or travelling, the meaning extended to carrying out actions and conducting affairs.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal