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B1 verb #7,500 most common 9 min read

営む

iganmu Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 営む in 30 Seconds

Explanation 営む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you probably won't use '営む' (itonamu) very often. It's a bit more advanced than words like 'taberu' (eat) or 'iku' (go). However, you can think of it as a special way to say 'to do a job' or 'to run a shop.' If you see a picture of a person in a small bakery, they are 'itonamu'-ing that bakery. It's like saying 'this is their work and their life.' At this stage, just try to remember that it's related to shops and work. You might hear it when someone introduces their family, like 'My dad runs a shop.' In Japanese, that 'runs' is often 'itonamu.' It's a polite and respectful word. Even if you don't use it yet, knowing it helps you understand when people talk about their family businesses. It's a 'Level Up' word from the basic 'shigoto o suru' (to do work). Imagine a person weaving a basket every day—that steady, daily work is the heart of 'itonamu.'

As an A2 learner, you are starting to talk more about daily routines and family. '営む' (itonamu) is useful when you want to describe someone's profession more specifically than just saying 'they work.' For example, if your friend's family has a small restaurant, you can say 'Resutoran o itonande imasu.' This sounds much more natural and 'Japanese' than saying 'Resutoran de hataraite imasu' (which sounds like they are just an employee). You will also see this word in simple stories or news clips about local people. It's a 'Godan' verb, so it changes like 'yomu' (read) or 'nomu' (drink). The form you will see most is 'itonande imasu' (is running/is conducting). Remember: it's for the owner or the person in charge. If you work at a big supermarket like Walmart, you don't use this word. But if you have your own small Etsy shop, you could technically use it! It shows you are the one making it happen every day.

At the B1 level, you should begin to actively use '営む' (itonamu) in your speech and writing. This is the level where you distinguish between 'keiei suru' (to manage/run a business) and 'itonamu.' While 'keiei suru' sounds like something you'd learn in a business textbook, 'itonamu' sounds like something you'd hear in a heart-warming story. It implies a sense of continuity and personal dedication. You should also learn its second meaning: 'to lead a life' (seikatsu o itonamu). This is a common collocation (word pairing). Instead of just saying 'seikatsu suru,' using 'seikatsu o itonamu' suggests a more deliberate way of living, often used when describing how people live in different cultures or environments. You will also encounter it in the context of Buddhist ceremonies (houyou o itonamu). Understanding this word helps you navigate more formal social situations and read more descriptive Japanese texts without getting stuck.

For B2 learners, '営む' (itonamu) becomes a tool for adding nuance and 'color' to your Japanese. You should be comfortable using it in its various forms, including the passive 'itonamareru' (to be conducted). At this level, you'll notice it in more complex literature and editorials. It's often used to describe the 'workings' of nature or the 'activities' of a society (e.g., keizai katsudou o itonamu - to carry out economic activities). You should understand that 'itonamu' carries a connotation of 'sustenance' and 'rhythm.' It’s not just about the action, but about the cycle of the action. When you use it, you're signaling to the listener that you understand the deeper, more traditional aspects of Japanese work and life culture. You might use it in an essay to describe how a community maintains its traditions. It’s a word that elevates your register from 'functional' to 'expressive.'

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the philosophical and historical weight of '営む' (itonamu). You'll find it in academic papers, classical literature, and high-level journalism. It is often used to discuss the fundamental nature of human existence—how we 'itonamu' our lives amidst a changing world. You should be able to distinguish the subtle differences between 'itonamu' and formal synonyms like 'toriokonau' (for ceremonies) or 'shikkou suru' (for executing tasks). You might use 'itonamu' to describe the delicate balance of an ecosystem where every creature 'itonamu' its own survival. It’s a word that appears in discussions about 'ikigai' (purpose in life) and the 'shokunin' (artisan) spirit. Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when the personal, rhythmic nuance of 'itonamu' is superior to the cold, administrative tone of 'keiei' or 'jisshi.' It’s about using the word to evoke a sense of human presence and persistent effort.

At the C2 level, '営む' (itonamu) is part of your sophisticated vocabulary for discussing sociology, philosophy, and the arts. You understand its etymological roots—the idea of creating a 'camp' or 'structure' and maintaining it through effort. You can use it in high-level discourse to describe the 'weaving' of societal structures or the 'performance' of complex cultural rites. You recognize its use in archaic or poetic contexts where it might describe the movement of stars or the cycles of the seasons as a kind of 'cosmic management.' Your usage of 'itonamu' is effortless and perfectly timed to provide either a sense of traditional dignity or a deep, humanistic perspective. You can analyze how authors use this verb to ground their characters in a specific reality of labor and routine. At this peak level, 'itonamu' is not just a verb; it’s a concept that encapsulates the Japanese view of the intersection between work, life, and the sacred.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

営む in 30 Seconds

Used for running a business (shops, farms, small enterprises) with a sense of personal involvement and daily dedication.
Used for 'leading a life' (seikatsu o itonamu), implying the active maintenance of one's daily existence and routines.
Used for conducting formal or religious rituals, particularly Buddhist memorial services (houyou o itonamu), highlighting the host's duty.
A B1-level verb that adds a traditional, respectful, and rhythmic nuance compared to clinical terms like 'keiei suru'.

The Japanese verb 営む (itonamu) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes the act of conducting, managing, or carrying out a sustained activity. While most English speakers first encounter it in the context of running a business, its roots and applications extend far deeper into the fabric of daily existence and spiritual practice. Unlike the more clinical or corporate term keiei suru (経営する), 営む carries a nuance of personal involvement, diligence, and the rhythmic cycle of labor. It suggests a life's work rather than just a commercial transaction. When a person uses this word, they are often describing a lifestyle that is intertwined with their profession or a series of actions that constitute 'living' itself.

Business Management: This is the most common usage for intermediate learners. It refers to operating a shop, a farm, or a small business. For example, 「代々続く旅館を営む」 (To run a traditional inn that has lasted for generations). It implies the daily chores, the administration, and the physical presence required to keep the business alive.
The Act of Living: In a more literary or philosophical sense, it describes the act of leading a life. 「静かな生活を営む」 (To lead a quiet life) suggests not just existing, but actively maintaining the routines and habits that define one's existence. It encompasses the repetitive but necessary actions of survival and fulfillment.
Rituals and Ceremonies: The word is also used for conducting religious or formal ceremonies, particularly Buddhist memorial services (法要を営む). Here, it signifies the careful and respectful execution of a traditional rite.

祖父は山あいの村で小さな茶屋を営んでいました。(My grandfather ran a small teahouse in a mountain village.)

Historically, the kanji 営 (ei/itonamu) represents a structure or a camp (as seen in the top part of the character resembling a roof or dwelling). It implies building something up and maintaining it. In modern Japanese, while keiei is used for large corporations or the abstract concept of 'management,' 営む is the verb of choice when you want to emphasize the human element. If you are describing a person who pours their heart into their bakery or a monk performing a rite, this is your word. It bridges the gap between 'working' and 'living,' suggesting that what we do for a living is, in fact, how we live.

人間は太古の昔から、集団で生活を営んできた。(Humans have led lives in groups since ancient times.)

Using 営む (itonamu) correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the specific nouns it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes the particle を (o) to indicate the business, life, or ritual being conducted. Because it is a Godan verb (Group 1), its conjugations follow standard patterns, but its usage is often seen in the continuous form ~te iru to describe an ongoing state of business or living.

The '~te iru' Form: Since running a business or living a life is an ongoing process, you will most frequently hear 「営んでいる」. For example, 「彼はクリーニング店を営んでいる」 (He is running a dry cleaner). This emphasizes the current, active state of the enterprise.
Formal Contexts: In formal writing or speech, the humble form 「営んでおります」 is common when describing one's own family business to a customer or superior. It conveys a sense of modesty and professional pride.

この町で三代にわたって時計店を営んでおります。(We have been running this watch shop for three generations in this town.)

When describing 'living a life,' the noun seikatsu (生活 - life/livelihood) is the most frequent partner. Using 「生活を営む」 sounds more deliberate and formal than 「生活する」. It implies a sense of agency—that the person is actively shaping their daily existence. This is often used in literature or sociological contexts to describe how a certain group of people survives or thrives in a specific environment.

都会の喧騒を離れ、自給自足の生活を営む。(To leave the hustle and bustle of the city and lead a self-sufficient life.)

In the context of ceremonies, the verb is used to describe the hosting or officiating of a rite. If a family is holding a memorial service for a deceased relative, they are 「法要を営む」. This usage is strictly formal and usually limited to religious or highly traditional events. It highlights the preparation and the solemn execution of the ritual duties.

寺院では毎朝、厳かな儀式が営まれている。(Solemn rituals are performed every morning at the temple.)

You will encounter 営む (itonamu) in a variety of real-world Japanese contexts, ranging from local news reports to classic literature and documentaries. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday speech and elevated prose, making it an essential part of the B1-level vocabulary. Understanding where it appears will help you grasp its slightly nostalgic and respectful tone.

Local News and Documentaries: Television programs that feature local craftsmen, traditional restaurants, or long-standing family businesses almost always use this word. A narrator might say, 「この道五十年の店主が営む寿司屋」 (A sushi shop run by a master of 50 years). It lends a sense of dignity and history to the subject.
Literature and Essays: In novels, especially those focusing on daily life or rural settings, 営む is used to describe the rhythm of the characters' lives. Authors use it to paint a picture of steady, purposeful existence. It often appears in descriptions of nature, such as how animals 'lead their lives' (生命を営む) in the wild.

テレビ番組で、人里離れた場所でカフェを営む夫婦が紹介された。(A couple running a cafe in a remote location was introduced on a TV program.)

In business cards (meishi) or company brochures for small-scale enterprises, you might see the noun form 「経営」 (keiei), but when the owner speaks about their work, they will use 営む. For example, if you visit a small izakaya and strike up a conversation with the owner, they might say, 「細々と店を営んでおります」 (I am running this shop in a modest way). This expression is a classic example of Japanese humility, suggesting that while the business is small, it is maintained with great care.

「こちらで商売を営まれて、もう長いのですか？」(Have you been running your business here for a long time?)

Finally, in academic or sociological texts, 営む describes the collective activities of a society. Phrases like 「経済活動を営む」 (to conduct economic activities) or 「文化的な生活を営む」 (to lead a cultural life) are common. In these instances, the word elevates the subject matter, treating the activity as a fundamental human endeavor rather than a mere set of actions.

While 営む (itonamu) is a versatile verb, English speakers often make mistakes by overusing it or confusing it with similar verbs like suru, hataraku, or keiei suru. Understanding the boundaries of this word is key to sounding natural in Japanese. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing with 'Hataraku' (To Work): If you are an employee at a company, you cannot say 「会社を営む」. This would imply that you own and run the entire corporation. Instead, use 「会社で働く」 (work at a company). 営む is reserved for the person who manages or owns the enterprise.
Incorrect Object Selection: You cannot use 営む for temporary or one-off tasks. For example, you don't 'itonamu' a meeting or 'itonamu' a soccer game. Those use 「行う」 (okonau) or 「する」 (suru). 営む requires a sense of continuity and ongoing management.

❌ 私はコンビニで営んでいます。
✅ 私はコンビニを経営しています。 (If owner)
✅ 私はコンビニで働いています。 (If employee)

Another common error is applying the word to hobbies or casual activities. While you can 'itonamu' a life, you generally don't 'itonamu' a hobby like tennis or gaming. The word carries a certain weight and seriousness. Using it for something lighthearted can sound unintentionally dramatic or sarcastic. Stick to 「楽しむ」 (tanoshimu - to enjoy) or 「やっている」 (yatte iru - to be doing) for personal pastimes.

❌ 彼は趣味を営んでいる。
✅ 彼は趣味を楽しんでいる。

Lastly, pay attention to the passive form. Learners sometimes try to use the active form when the passive is required, especially when describing rituals performed by a group or an institution. If you want to say 'a service is being held,' it should be 「法要が営まれる」. Using the active voice 「法要を営む」 requires a specific subject (like 'The family' or 'The priest').

To truly master 営む (itonamu), you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Japanese verbs related to work, life, and management. Each synonym has a specific 'flavor' and context where it is most appropriate. Choosing the right one will make your Japanese sound nuanced and precise.

経営する (Keiei suru): This is the most direct synonym for 'running a business.' However, it is more technical and objective. It focuses on the mechanics of management—finance, strategy, and organization. Use this for corporate settings or when discussing the 'business' side of things. Itonamu is more about the act of doing the work.
暮らす (Kurasu): When 営む is used to mean 'to lead a life,' kurasu is its more common, everyday counterpart. Kurasu simply means 'to live' or 'to spend time.' 「東京で暮らす」 is standard; 「東京で生活を営む」 is more formal and emphasizes the maintenance of that life.
執り行う (Toriokonau): This is a synonym for the 'ritual/ceremony' sense of 営む. It is extremely formal and specifically refers to the administration or execution of a ceremony or wedding. While 営む focuses on the host's duty, toriokonau focuses on the procedure itself.

Comparison:
1. 店を営む (Running a shop - sounds personal/traditional)
2. 店を経営する (Managing a shop - sounds professional/strategic)

Another interesting alternative is 「送る」 (okuru) when used as 「生活を送る」. This literally means 'to send a life' but functions as 'to lead/spend a life.' It is very common and slightly more passive than 営む. If 営む is 'building and maintaining a life,' okuru is simply 'passing through' or 'living out' those days. For example, 「楽しい毎日を送る」 (to lead a happy daily life) is a standard phrase.

儀式を営む (Conducting a ritual - emphasizes the host's role)
儀式を執り行う (Executing a ritual - emphasizes the formal procedure)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because the original meaning was related to weaving, the word carries a deep sense of 'fabricating' or 'building' a life through small, daily actions. This is why it feels more personal than the clinical word 'keiei'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK i.to.na.mu

US i.toʊ.nɑ.mu

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'itonamu', the pitch usually starts low on 'i' and rises on 'to', staying high for 'na' and 'mu' (Heiban style in some dialects, but often Nakadaka).

Rhymes With

Tanomu (to request) Tanoshimu (to enjoy) Susumu (to advance) Tsutsumu (to wrap) Ayumu (to walk) Hagukumu (to nurture) Kagamu (to crouch) Nisumu (to steal - though usually 'nusumu')

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mu' too long like 'moo'. It should be a short, clipped 'u'.
Stressing the wrong syllable. Japanese syllables generally have equal length.
Confusing the 'to' sound with 'do'. Ensure the 't' is crisp.
Muttering the 'i' so it sounds like 'tonamu'.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' so it sounds like 'iton-namu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 営 is common (N3 level), but the verb 'itonamu' is slightly more advanced (B1/N2).

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji 営 correctly requires attention to the top strokes (the 'crown').

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but choosing it over 'keiei suru' requires nuance.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, but can be confused with other '~mu' verbs if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

店 (mise) - Shop 生活 (seikatsu) - Life 働く (hataraku) - To work 経営 (keiei) - Management 行う (okonau) - To perform

Learn Next

執り行う (toriokonau) - To hold a ceremony 司る (tsukasadoru) - To be in charge 繁盛する (hanjou suru) - To prosper 切り盛りする (kirimori suru) - To manage/run a household or shop 跡を継ぐ (ato o tsugu) - To succeed a business

Advanced

祭祀 (saishi) - Religious rites 世俗 (sezoku) - Secular world 悠久 (yuukyuu) - Eternity 代謝 (taisha) - Metabolism 昇華 (shouka) - Sublimation

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs (他動詞)

店を営む (The object is the shop).

Godan Verb Conjugation (五段活用)

営まない、営みます、営む、営むとき、営めば、営もう。

Continuous State (~ている)

営んでいる (Currently running/conducting).

Passive Voice (~れる)

法要が営まれる (The service is held).

Noun Formation (連用形名詞化)

日々の営み (Daily activities).

Examples by Level

父はパン屋を営んでいます。

My father runs a bakery.

Uses '~te imasu' to show an ongoing job.

母は小さな店を営んでいます。

My mother runs a small shop.

The object is 'mise' (shop).

祖父は農家を営んでいました。

My grandfather was a farmer (ran a farm).

Past continuous form 'itonande imashita'.

この町でレストランを営むのは大変です。

Running a restaurant in this town is hard.

Uses the dictionary form 'itonamu' as a noun phrase with 'no wa'.

彼はここで八百屋を営んでいます。

He runs a greengrocer here.

八百屋 (yaoya) means greengrocer.

私たちは家族で旅館を営んでいます。

We run a traditional inn as a family.

家族で (kazoku de) means 'as a family'.

古い本屋を営むおじいさんがいます。

There is an old man who runs an old bookstore.

The verb phrase modifies the noun 'ojiisan'.

彼女は山の中でカフェを営みたいです。

She wants to run a cafe in the mountains.

Uses the '~tai' (want to) form: 'itona-mitai'.

彼は代々、この地で農業を営んでいる。

He has been farming in this area for generations.

代々 (daidai) means 'for generations'.

私の夢は、海辺で小さなホテルを営むことです。

My dream is to run a small hotel by the seaside.

Uses 'koto desu' to turn the verb into a dream/goal.

商店街で靴屋を営む友人がいます。

I have a friend who runs a shoe store in the shopping district.

Relative clause: 'kutsuya o itonamu yuujin'.

祖母は一人でアパートを営んでいます。

My grandmother runs an apartment building by herself.

一人で (hitori de) means 'alone/by oneself'.

どうしてこの場所で店を営もうと思ったのですか？

Why did you think to run a shop in this location?

Volitional form + 'to omou' (thought of doing).

彼は副業としてオンラインショップを営んでいる。

He runs an online shop as a side business.

副業 (fukugyou) means side job.

このお寺では、毎日法要が営まれています。

At this temple, memorial services are held every day.

Passive form 'itonamarete imasu'.

私の家は、江戸時代から染物屋を営んできました。

My family has run a dye shop since the Edo period.

Uses '~te kita' to show an action continuing from the past.

都会を離れて、田舎で静かな生活を営むことにした。

I decided to leave the city and lead a quiet life in the countryside.

生活を営む (seikatsu o itonamu) is a common B1 collocation.

彼は自分の信念に基づいて、この事業を営んでいる。

He is running this business based on his own beliefs.

信念に基づいて (shinnen ni motozuite) means 'based on beliefs'.

多くの人々が、厳しい自然環境の中で生活を営んでいる。

Many people lead their lives in harsh natural environments.

Describes a way of life (seikatsu).

来週、亡くなった祖父の法要を営む予定だ。

We plan to hold a memorial service for my late grandfather next week.

法要を営む (houyou o itonamu) is the specific phrase for ceremonies.

個人で事業を営むには、多くの責任が伴う。

Running a business as an individual involves many responsibilities.

伴う (tomonau) means 'to accompany/involve'.

彼女は昼間は会社員として働き、夜はバーを営んでいる。

She works as an office worker during the day and runs a bar at night.

Contrasts 'hataraku' (employee) and 'itonamu' (owner).

この地域では、古くから漁業が営まれてきた。

Fishing has been carried out in this region since ancient times.

Passive form 'itonamarete kita' for industries.

自給自足の生活を営むのは、想像以上に大変だ。

Leading a self-sufficient life is harder than I imagined.

自給自足 (jikyuu jisoku) means self-sufficiency.

人間は太古の昔から、集団で社会生活を営んできた。

Humans have led social lives in groups since ancient times.

社会生活 (shakai seikatsu) means social life.

彼は、伝統的な工芸品の工房を営みながら、後継者を育てている。

While running a traditional craft workshop, he is training a successor.

Uses '~nagara' to show simultaneous actions.

その島の人々は、独自の文化と伝統を営み続けている。

The people of that island continue to practice their unique culture and traditions.

Uses 'itonami-tsuzukeru' for continuous practice.

不況の中でも、彼は工夫を凝らして店を営み抜いた。

Even in the recession, he managed to keep the shop running through ingenuity.

Uses '~nuku' to mean 'to do something to the end/thoroughly'.

生きとし生けるものが、それぞれの命を営んでいる。

Every living thing is carrying out its own life.

Poetic/philosophical usage of '命を営む'.

彼女は、チャリティー活動を営むNPO団体を設立した。

She established an NPO that carries out charity activities.

NPO (Non-Profit Organization).

寺院の奥で、密かに厳かな儀式が営まれていた。

Deep inside the temple, a solemn ritual was being performed secretly.

Passive and past continuous: 'itonamarete ita'.

経済活動を営む上で、環境への配慮は欠かせない。

In conducting economic activities, consideration for the environment is essential.

Uses '~ue de' to mean 'in the process of / when doing'.

その作家は、都会の喧騒を避けて山荘で執筆活動を営んでいる。

The author avoids the hustle and bustle of the city and carries out writing activities in a mountain villa.

執筆活動 (shippitsu katsudou) means writing activities.

伝統的な祭祀を営むことは、地域の絆を強める役割を果たしている。

Performing traditional rites plays a role in strengthening community bonds.

祭祀 (saishi) refers to religious rites/festivals.

企業が利益のみを追求し、倫理的な営みを忘れるのは危険だ。

It is dangerous for companies to pursue only profit and forget ethical practices.

Noun form '営み' (itonami) meaning 'activities/conduct'.

微生物から高等動物に至るまで、生命はその営みを止めることはない。

From microbes to higher animals, life never stops its operations.

Scientific/Academic tone.

彼は多額の借金を抱えながらも、必死に家業を営み続けた。

Despite carrying a large debt, he desperately continued to run the family business.

家業 (kagyou) means family business.

かつてこの地で、壮大な文明が営まれていた証拠が見つかった。

Evidence was found that a grand civilization once flourished (was conducted) here.

Describes a civilization's existence.

芸術家は、独自の精神世界を営み、それを作品へと昇華させる。

Artists maintain a unique spiritual world and sublimate it into their works.

Metaphorical use for mental/spiritual activity.

政府は国民が健康で文化的な生活を営めるよう、支援を行うべきだ。

The government should provide support so that citizens can lead healthy and cultural lives.

Potential form '営める' (can lead).

宇宙の摂理に従い、天体は悠久の時を営んでいる。

In accordance with the providence of the universe, the celestial bodies carry out their eternal time.

Highly poetic and abstract usage.

我々の日常的な営みの一つ一つが、歴史という大きな流れを形作っている。

Every single one of our daily activities forms the great current known as history.

Philosophical reflection on history.

法要が厳粛に営まれる中、参列者は故人の遺徳を偲んだ。

While the memorial service was solemnly conducted, the attendees reflected on the virtues of the deceased.

Formal literary style.

言語という営みを通じて、人間は他者と意味を共有し、社会を構築する。

Through the activity of language, humans share meaning with others and construct society.

Linguistic/Sociological discourse.

その老舗旅館は、時代の荒波に揉まれながらも、伝統の灯を営み続けてきた。

That long-established inn, while tossed by the rough waves of the times, has continued to keep the flame of tradition burning.

Metaphorical and highly descriptive.

生命の営みとは、絶え間ない代謝と自己複製プロセスの連鎖である。

The workings of life are a chain of constant metabolism and self-replication processes.

Scientific definition style.

政治的な営みが、往々にして権力闘争に終始するのは世の常である。

It is the way of the world that political activities often end up being nothing but power struggles.

Cynical/Philosophical observation.

彼は世俗の営みを捨てて出家し、悟りの道を求めた。

He abandoned the activities of the secular world, became a monk, and sought the path to enlightenment.

世俗の営み (sezoku no itonami) means 'worldly affairs/activities'.

Common Collocations

生活を営む

店を営む

法要を営む

農業を営む

商売を営む

経済活動を営む

家庭を営む

儀式を営む

事業を営む

生命の営み

Common Phrases

細々と営む

— To run a business in a modest, small-scale, or barely profitable way. Often used with humility.

田舎で細々とカフェを営んでいます。

代々営む

— To run a business or activity that has been passed down through generations.

我が家は江戸時代からこの宿を代々営んできました。

個人で営む

— To run a business as a sole proprietor or individual owner.

彼は個人でデザイン事務所を営んでいる。

静かに生活を営む

— To lead a quiet, peaceful life away from trouble or noise.

引退後は田舎で静かに生活を営みたい。

夫婦で営む

— To run a business as a husband and wife team.

夫婦で営むアットホームな居酒屋。

手広く営む

— To run a business on a large or extensive scale.

彼は不動産業を手広く営んでいる。

厳かに営まれる

— To be conducted in a solemn or dignified manner (usually rituals).

葬儀が厳かに営まれた。

地道に営む

— To run a business steadily and honestly with hard work.

彼は地道にクリーニング店を営んでいる。

家業を営む

— To run the family business.

兄が父の跡を継いで家業を営んでいる。

文化的な生活を営む

— To lead a life that includes cultural activities and dignity.

憲法はすべての国民が文化的な生活を営む権利を保障している。

Often Confused With

営む vs 経営する (keiei suru)

Keiei is more corporate/strategic; itonamu is more personal/labor-focused.

営む vs 働く (hataraku)

Hataraku is for employees; itonamu is for the person managing the entity.

営む vs 生活する (seikatsu suru)

Seikatsu suru is basic 'living'; seikatsu o itonamu is 'leading/maintaining a life'.

Idioms & Expressions

"口を糊する営み"

— Barely making a living; earning just enough to survive (literary).

日々の口を糊する営みに追われる。

Literary

"俗世の営み"

— The busy, mundane activities of the everyday world (often contrasted with spiritual life).

俗世の営みを離れて山にこもる。

Literary/Philosophical

"自然の営み"

— The workings of nature (cycles of growth, decay, seasons).

自然の営みには逆らえない。

Neutral

"生命の営み"

— The biological processes of life.

細胞一つ一つの生命の営み。

Academic/Poetic

"人の営み"

— Human activity or civilization in a broad sense.

星空から見れば、人の営みはちっぽけなものだ。

Philosophical

"地道な営み"

— Steady, honest daily work or living.

毎日の地道な営みが大切だ。

Neutral

"経済の営み"

— Economic operations or the conduct of business.

国家における経済の営み。

Formal

"文化の営み"

— The practice and maintenance of culture.

芸術は人間固有の文化の営みである。

Academic

"日々の営み"

— One's daily routines and activities.

日々の営みの中に幸せを見つける。

Neutral

"祭祀を営む"

— To perform religious rites or festivals.

古来より、この地で祭祀が営まれてきた。

Formal

Easily Confused

営む vs 営む (itonamu)

Both relate to work.

Itonamu is for management/running the whole thing; hataraku is for the act of laboring.

Owner: 店を営む。 Employee: 店で働く。

営む vs 行う (okonau)

Both mean 'to do/carry out'.

Okonau is for events/actions; itonamu is for continuous businesses or solemn rituals.

Meeting: 会議を行う。 Shop: 店を営む。

営む vs 暮らす (kurasu)

Both mean 'to live'.

Kurasu is everyday living; itonamu is used with 'seikatsu' to mean 'leading/maintaining a life'.

Tokyo: 東京で暮らす。 Life: 穏やかな生活を営む。

営む vs 経営する (keiei suru)

Direct synonyms for 'running a business'.

Keiei is clinical/objective; itonamu is personal/subjective.

Large Corp: 会社を経営する。 Small Shop: 店を営む。

営む vs 司る (tsukasadoru)

Both involve management.

Tsukasadoru is 'to be in charge of a function/department'; itonamu is 'to carry out the whole activity'.

Admin: 政務を司る。 Ritual: 祭祀を営む。

Sentence Patterns

[Place]で[Business]を営む

京都で古い旅館を営む。

[Adverb]生活を営む

静かに生活を営む。

[Noun]の営み

生命の営みを観察する。

[Organization]によって[Ritual]が営まれる

寺院によって法要が営まれる。

[Abstract Noun]としての営み

文化としての営みを大切にする。

[Industry]を営み続ける

漁業を営み続ける人々。

[Person]は[Business]を営んでいる

おじさんは八百屋を営んでいる。

[Business]を営みたい

自分の店を営みたい。

Word Family

Nouns

営み (itonami) Activity, conduct, workings, business.

経営 (keiei) Management, administration.

営業 (eigyou) Business, sales, operations.

陣営 (jin'ei) Camp, faction.

Verbs

経営する (keiei suru) To manage/run a business.

営業する (eigyou suru) To do business/be open for business.

Adjectives

営業的な (eigyou-teki na) Business-like, related to sales.

生活 (seikatsu) - Life/Livelihood

商売 (shoubai) - Trade/Business

家業 (kagyou) - Family business

法要 (houyou) - Buddhist memorial service

儀式 (gishiki) - Ritual

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Japanese and formal documentaries; moderately common in polite speech regarding business.

Common Mistakes

Using 'itonamu' for a job as a waiter. → Resutoran de hataraku (work at a restaurant).
You only use 'itonamu' if you are the one running the whole restaurant. If you are just an employee, use 'hataraku'.
Using 'itonamu' for a one-time event like a party. → Paatii o hiraku (hold a party) or okonau.
'Itonamu' is for continuous businesses or formal rituals. A casual party doesn't fit the nuance of the word.
Saying 'Shumi o itonamu' for a hobby. → Shumi o tanoshimu (enjoy a hobby).
'Itonamu' sounds too serious and labor-intensive for a hobby. It implies a livelihood or a duty.
Confusing 'itonamu' with 'inoru' (to pray). → It's a different word entirely.
While both can happen in a temple, 'inoru' is the act of praying, while 'itonamu' is the act of conducting the whole service.
Using 'itonamu' for large-scale corporate management without nuance. → Keiei suru.
While technically possible, 'itonamu' for a multi-national corporation sounds strange. It's best kept for human-scale activities.

Tips

Small is Beautiful

Use itonamu for 'mom-and-pop' shops. It honors the owner's personal effort and the shop's place in the community. It sounds warmer than keiei.

The 'Life' Collocation

Memorize the phrase seikatsu o itonamu as a single unit. It's a very common way to describe someone's lifestyle in formal writing or stories.

Solemnity Matters

When you hear itonamu in the context of a temple, switch your brain to 'solemn mode.' It's about rituals and honoring the deceased.

Think of Weaving

Remember the etymology: weaving threads. It helps you understand why the word implies continuity and careful, rhythmic work.

Academic Tone

In sociology or economics, itonamu is used for 'human activities' (ningen no itonami). It's a great word for high-level essays.

Humility is Key

If you ever run a business in Japan, use hosoboso to itonande orimasu to sound humble and culturally fluent when introduced.

Documentary Keyword

If you're watching a show about a 90-year-old sushi master, wait for the word itonamu. It's almost guaranteed to appear!

Kanji Precision

Make sure to write the top part of 営 correctly. It's two 'fire' radicals (火) simplified into a crown. Don't confuse it with 學 (old style for school).

Passive Usage

The passive itonamareru is very common for ceremonies. 'The service was held' = Houyou ga itonamareta.

Itonamu vs. Hataraku

Always check: are you the boss or the worker? Boss = itonamu. Worker = hataraku.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I-TON-A-MU'. 'I' (the owner) 'TON' (tons of work) 'A' (always) 'MU' (moving). A shop owner always has tons of work to keep the shop moving.

Visual Association

Imagine a traditional Japanese weaver carefully lining up silk threads on a loom. This careful, rhythmic, and productive action is the heart of 'itonamu'.

Word Web

Shop (店) Life (生活) Ritual (法要) Management (経営) Thread (糸) Continuity (継続) Diligence (勤勉) Artisan (職人)

Challenge

Try to describe your ideal small business using 'itonamu'. For example: 'Umi no chikaku de hon-ya o itonamitai desu' (I want to run a bookstore near the sea).

Word Origin

The word 'itonamu' is derived from 'ito' (thread) and 'namu' (to line up/arrange). Historically, it referred to the meticulous work of lining up threads for weaving, which required great care and repetition.

Original meaning: To arrange threads; to perform detailed, repetitive work.

Japonic

Cultural Context

When using 'itonamu' for religious services, ensure the tone is somber and respectful. Avoid using it for 'fun' or 'casual' parties, as it sounds too heavy.

English speakers often translate this simply as 'to run' or 'to operate,' but they miss the poetic sense of 'leading a life.' In English, 'running a business' sounds like management; 'itonamu' sounds like a vocation.

Used in the Japanese Constitution (Article 25) regarding the right to lead a 'cultural life' (bunka-teki na seikatsu o itonamu). Commonly heard in the opening narrations of the TV show 'Gekiteki Bifou Afutaa' (Before & After) when describing a family's lifestyle. Frequently appears in the lyrics of Enka music, which often romanticizes the hard work of running a small inn or shop.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Small Business

カフェを営む (run a cafe)
家業を営む (run family business)
細々と営む (run modestly)
店を営む (run a shop)

Daily Life

静かな生活を営む (lead a quiet life)
自給自足の生活を営む (lead a self-sufficient life)
社会生活を営む (lead a social life)
平穏な日々を営む (lead peaceful days)

Religious/Ritual

法要を営む (hold a memorial service)
儀式を営む (perform a ritual)
葬儀を営む (conduct a funeral)
祭礼を営む (hold a festival)

Academic/Nature

生命の営み (workings of life)
経済活動を営む (conduct economic activities)
文化の営み (cultural activities)
自然の営み (workings of nature)

Family

家庭を営む (manage a household)
夫婦で営む (run as a couple)
共同生活を営む (lead a communal life)
親子で営む (run as parent and child)

Conversation Starters

"「いつか自分の店を営んでみたいと思いますか？」 (Do you think you'd like to run your own shop someday?)"

"「ご家族で何か事業を営まれていますか？」 (Does your family run any kind of business?)"

"「理想の生活を営むために、一番大切なことは何だと思いますか？」 (What do you think is the most important thing for leading your ideal life?)"

"「この近くで長く営まれている美味しいお店を知っていますか？」 (Do you know any delicious shops nearby that have been running for a long time?)"

"「都会と田舎、どちらで生活を営むのが自分に合っていると思いますか？」 (Which do you think suits you better: leading a life in the city or the countryside?)"

Journal Prompts

将来、どのような場所でどのような生活を営みたいか、具体的に書いてください。 (Write specifically about what kind of life you want to lead and in what kind of place in the future.)

あなたが尊敬する「店を営む人」について、その魅力を説明してください。 (Explain the appeal of a 'shopkeeper' you respect.)

「生命の営み」を感じる瞬間について、あなたの経験を述べてください。 (Describe your experiences regarding moments when you feel the 'workings of life.')

もし自分が小さなカフェを営むとしたら、どんなメニューを出したいですか？ (If you were to run a small cafe, what kind of menu would you want to offer?)

現代社会で「文化的な生活を営む」とはどういうことか、自分の考えをまとめてください。 (Summarize your thoughts on what it means to 'lead a cultural life' in modern society.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. For large corporations, 'keiei suru' (経営する) is much more appropriate. 'Itonamu' has a sense of personal scale and manual involvement. You wouldn't say Google's CEO 'itonamu' Google; he 'keiei's it.

No, it is used for farms (nougyou), traditional inns (ryokan), and even professional practices like law firms or clinics, provided they are small-scale or family-run. It is also used for 'living a life' and 'performing rituals.'

'Seikatsu suru' is the basic way to say 'to live' or 'to make a living.' 'Seikatsu o itonamu' is more formal and literary. It implies that living is an active, ongoing process that you are managing.

Yes, it is a respectful and slightly formal word. Using it about someone else's business shows you value their hard work. Using the humble form 'itonande orimasu' about your own business is very polite.

Not usually. 'Itonamu' implies a livelihood or a serious, sustained activity. For a hobby, use 'tanoshimu' (enjoy) or 'yatte iru' (doing).

You can say 'sougi o itonamu' (葬儀を営む). It is a very formal and standard way to describe the hosting of a funeral service.

It means to run a business 'modestly' or 'on a small scale.' People often use this phrase with humility when describing their own small shops, even if the shop is actually doing well.

Yes, in a biological or poetic sense. You might read 'doubutsu ga seimei o itonamu' (animals carry out their lives/existence). It treats their survival as a purposeful activity.

The kanji 営 is taught in the 4th grade in Japan. It's an N3 level kanji. It consists of a 'crown' (representing a roof) and 'back-to-back' boxes. It's not too hard once you practice the top part.

Yes, if it's a small, personally managed online shop, 'onrain shoppu o itonamu' is perfectly fine and sounds quite professional.