In 15 Seconds
- Turning a plan or idea into a real-world action.
- Commonly used in business, technology, and for serious personal goals.
- Implies a transition from the thinking phase to the doing phase.
Meaning
It describes the act of taking a plan, idea, or command and actually putting it into action. It is the bridge between thinking about doing something and finally getting it done.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
いよいよ、この計画を実行をするときが来ました。
The time has finally come to execute this plan.
Talking to a friend about a diet
明日からダイエットを実行をするよ!
I'm going to execute my diet plan starting tomorrow!
Technical support context
このボタンを押して、プログラムを実行をしてください。
Please press this button and execute the program.
Cultural Background
In Japanese companies, the 'PDCA' cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is ubiquitous. {実行|じっこう} corresponds to the 'Do' phase, but it is often treated with more weight than simple doing—it requires consensus (nemawashi) before it can happen. The concept of 'Bushido' emphasizes the unity of thought and action. A samurai who does not {実行|じっこう} his word is seen as having no honor. This historical root still influences the modern perception of the word. Students are often encouraged to move from {目標|もくひょう} (goals) to {実行|じっこう} (action) during school assemblies. It is a common theme in 'Seishun' (youth) anime and manga. In the Japanese startup scene, 'Execution' ({実行|じっこう}力 - jikkou-ryoku) is often cited as more important than the 'Idea' ({企画|きかく} - kikaku).
The 'O' Factor
Adding the 'o' ({実行|じっこう}を{する|する}) makes you sound more deliberate. Use it when you want to emphasize that the execution itself is a major milestone.
Not for Chores
Never use this for laundry or dishes unless you want to sound like a robot or a drill sergeant.
In 15 Seconds
- Turning a plan or idea into a real-world action.
- Commonly used in business, technology, and for serious personal goals.
- Implies a transition from the thinking phase to the doing phase.
What It Means
Think of 実行をする as the moment you stop dreaming and start doing. It is not just a simple action like picking up a pen. It implies there was a plan or a decision made beforehand. You are "executing" a specific intent. It is the difference between saying "I want to exercise" and actually hitting the gym. In English, we often use "carry out" or "implement" for this feeling. It carries a sense of weight and purpose.
How To Use It
You use this phrase by taking the noun 実行 (execution) and adding をする (to do). It is a very common structure in Japanese for turning nouns into actions. In casual speech, people often drop the を to say 実行する. Both are correct, but keeping the を makes the action feel a bit more deliberate. You can use it for business projects, computer programs, or personal life goals. Just remember it needs a "plan" to exist first. You cannot "execute" something that happens by accident.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional settings. Imagine you are in a meeting and everyone finally agrees on a strategy. You would say, "Let's execute this!" It is also the standard term in the tech world. When you run a piece of code, you are 実行をする. On a personal level, use it for big milestones. If you finally start that business you talked about for years, that is 実行. It sounds determined and reliable. It tells people you are a person of action.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday chores. You do not 実行をする the dishes or 実行をする your laundry. That would sound like you have a high-level strategic plan for your socks. It makes you sound like a robot or a very intense manager. Avoid it when things are spontaneous. If you suddenly decide to buy an ice cream, just use 買う or やる. Keep 実行 for things that required at least a little bit of prior thought.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture deeply respects the concept of 有言実行 (yūgen jikkō). This four-character idiom means "doing what you said you would do." Being a person who can 実行をする is a mark of high character. It shows you are trustworthy and disciplined. In many Japanese companies, the "planning" phase is very long. Therefore, the "execution" phase is a celebrated turning point. It represents the transition from collective thought to physical reality. It is a moment of high energy and focus.
Common Variations
You will often see 実行に移す (jikko ni utusu), which means "to move into execution." This sounds a bit more fluid and natural in conversation. Another variation is 実行力 (jikkoryoku), which means "the power to get things done." If your boss says you have 実行力, give yourself a pat on the back. It means you are a finisher. You might also see 再実行 (sai-jikko) in tech, which means to "re-run" or "re-execute" a task.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to formal. In business writing, always include the `を` for a polished look. In casual conversation, dropping the `を` is much more natural.
The 'O' Factor
Adding the 'o' ({実行|じっこう}を{する|する}) makes you sound more deliberate. Use it when you want to emphasize that the execution itself is a major milestone.
Not for Chores
Never use this for laundry or dishes unless you want to sound like a robot or a drill sergeant.
Integrity
In Japan, saying you will {実行|じっこう} something is a serious promise. Don't say it unless you mean it!
IT Context
If you are in tech, you'll see this everywhere. It's the standard word for 'Run' or 'Execute' in software menus.
Examples
6いよいよ、この計画を実行をするときが来ました。
The time has finally come to execute this plan.
Using 'jikko o suru' here emphasizes the importance of the moment.
明日からダイエットを実行をするよ!
I'm going to execute my diet plan starting tomorrow!
Adding 'o' makes the resolution sound a bit more firm and serious.
このボタンを押して、プログラムを実行をしてください。
Please press this button and execute the program.
Standard terminology for running software or scripts.
作戦を実行をする準備はできてる?
Are you ready to execute the strategy?
Casual but focused on a specific shared goal.
冷蔵庫のプリンを食べる作戦を実行をする!
Executing the mission to eat the pudding in the fridge!
Using a serious word for a silly task creates a funny contrast.
夢を実行をするのは、思っていたより勇気がいる。
Executing your dreams takes more courage than I thought.
Refers to the weight of taking the first step toward a dream.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural phrase to complete the sentence.
{新|あたら}しい{プロジェクト|ぷろじぇくと}の( )を{する|する}ために、チームを{集|あつ}めた。
You 'execute' a project. Practice, walking, and eating don't fit the context of gathering a team for a project rollout.
Fill in the missing particle.
{計画|けいかく}( ){実行|じっこう}を{する|する}。
When using {実行|じっこう} as a noun in this collocation, you use the possessive 'no' to link it to the plan: 'The execution of the plan'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which situation is most appropriate for '{実行|じっこう}を{する|する}'?
{実行|じっこう}を{する|する} is for formal, planned actions like a company merger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {口|くち}で言うのは{簡単|かんたん}だけど... B: そうだね。{実際|じっさい}に( )のは{難|むずか}しいよね。
The contrast between 'saying' and 'doing' is a classic context for {実行|じっこう}を{する|する}.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Doing vs. Executing
Practice Bank
4 exercises{新|あたら}しい{プロジェクト|ぷろじぇくと}の( )を{する|する}ために、チームを{集|あつ}めた。
You 'execute' a project. Practice, walking, and eating don't fit the context of gathering a team for a project rollout.
{計画|けいかく}( ){実行|じっこう}を{する|する}。
When using {実行|じっこう} as a noun in this collocation, you use the possessive 'no' to link it to the plan: 'The execution of the plan'.
Which situation is most appropriate for '{実行|じっこう}を{する|する}'?
{実行|じっこう}を{する|する} is for formal, planned actions like a company merger.
A: {口|くち}で言うのは{簡単|かんたん}だけど... B: そうだね。{実際|じっさい}に( )のは{難|むずか}しいよね。
The contrast between 'saying' and 'doing' is a classic context for {実行|じっこう}を{する|する}.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions{実行|じっこう}する is a standard suru-verb. {実行|じっこう}を{する|する} treats 'execution' as a noun, allowing for more emphasis and modification by adjectives.
No, that would be {処刑|しょけい}する. {実行|じっこう} is only for plans, tasks, or programs.
It's a bit formal. For a friend, just use 'yaru' or 'jikkou suru' without the 'o'.
{実施|じっし} is more for 'implementation' of systems or public events, while {実行|じっこう} is for 'carrying out' a specific plan or action.
Yes, for 'executing' a specific play or strategy in a game.
No, 'running' a business is {経営|けいえい}する. {実行|じっこう} is for a specific action within the business.
Yes, {実行|じっこう}をしない (not to execute) or {実行|じっこう}に{移|うつ}さない.
It means 'the ability to get things done' or 'execution power.' It's a highly valued trait in Japan.
It's a bit heavy. You would usually just say 'tsukuru' (make).
Yes, {計画|けいかく}が{実行|じっこう}される (The plan is carried out).
Related Phrases
{実行|じっこう}に{移|うつ}す
similarTo move into action
{実施|じっし}する
specialized formTo implement
{遂行|すいこう}する
specialized formTo accomplish a mission
{有言実行|ゆうげんじっこう}
builds onDoing what you say
{行|おこな}う
synonymTo do/conduct