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B1 verb #1,150 most common 9 min read

执行

zhíxíng Top 1,150

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 执行 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 执行 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '执行' (zhíxíng) might be a bit advanced, as it is a formal word. However, you can think of it as a very serious way to say 'to do' or 'to follow.' Imagine a teacher gives you a rule, and you follow it perfectly—that is the beginning of '执行.' You won't use it in daily life to talk about eating or sleeping, but you might see it on signs or in very simple stories about soldiers or police officers. It's like 'following a path' that someone else has made for you.

At the A2 level, you start to see '执行' in more specific contexts, like following rules at school or work. You might learn phrases like '执行规定' (follow the regulations). It's important to distinguish it from '做' (to do). While '做' is for anything, '执行' is for things that are planned or ordered. If your boss gives you a task, and you do it exactly as told, you are '执行' that task. It shows you are being responsible and professional.

At the B1 level, '执行' becomes a key vocabulary word for workplace and formal communication. You should be able to use it to describe carrying out plans (执行计划) or following orders (执行命令). You will also encounter the term '执行力' (execution power), which is a common topic in business discussions. At this level, you should understand that '执行' implies a process and a certain level of authority or commitment. It is the bridge between a decision and a result.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '执行' in various professional and technical contexts. You'll see it in legal news (enforcing laws), computer science (executing code), and complex project management. You should also be able to distinguish '执行' from similar words like '实施' (to implement) and '履行' (to fulfill). At this stage, your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register and its nuances in different fields, such as the 'execution of a contract' or 'executive functions' in psychology.

At the C1 level, '执行' is used with precision in academic, political, and high-level business discourse. You will analyze the '执行效果' (execution effectiveness) of national policies or the '执行机制' (execution mechanism) of a legal system. You should be able to use it metaphorically or in complex sentence structures, such as '贯彻执行' (to carry out thoroughly). Your understanding should include the subtle differences in tone when '执行' is used in military versus judicial versus corporate contexts.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '执行.' You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'execution' versus 'intent' in literature or law. You understand the historical evolution of the term and can use it in highly specialized fields, such as 'executive discretion' in constitutional law or 'execution threads' in advanced software architecture. You can use the word to convey authority, precision, and a deep understanding of systemic processes, navigating the most formal and complex linguistic environments with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

执行 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to carry out or implement a plan, order, or law.
Commonly used in business, legal, military, and computer science contexts.
Implies strict adherence to instructions and a professional level of responsibility.
Often paired with words like 'strictly' (严格) or 'immediately' (立即).

The Chinese word 执行 (zhíxíng) is a cornerstone of formal and professional communication in Mandarin. At its core, it translates to 'to execute,' 'to carry out,' or 'to implement.' However, its usage is far more nuanced than a simple action verb like 'do' (做 - zuò). It implies a sense of duty, adherence to a predetermined plan, or the fulfillment of a legal or official mandate. When you use 执行, you are not just performing an action; you are translating an abstract idea, a written command, or a strategic plan into concrete reality. This word is ubiquitous in business meetings, legal proceedings, military contexts, and even computer science.

Etymological Breakdown: The first character, 执 (zhí), originally depicted a person holding something with both hands, signifying grasping, maintaining, or being in charge of. The second character, 行 (xíng), represents a crossroads, symbolizing movement, action, or a path. Together, they form the concept of 'holding onto a path' or 'maintaining an action'—essentially, following through with what has been decided.
Professional Context: In a corporate environment, 执行 is the difference between a visionary leader and a practical manager. A CEO might 'formulate' (制定) a strategy, but the staff must 'execute' (执行) it. It carries a connotation of precision and strict adherence to guidelines.

我们需要严格执行公司的安全规定，确保没有任何疏漏。(We need to strictly execute the company's safety regulations to ensure there are no oversights.)

Beyond the office, 执行 appears in the legal system. A 'death warrant' or a 'court order' is something that is 'executed.' In this context, the word takes on a gravity that suggests the power of the state or the law. It is not optional; it is a mandatory fulfillment of a higher authority's will. This is why you will often see it paired with adverbs like 严格 (yángé - strictly) or 立即 (lìjí - immediately).

法律的生命力在于执行。(The vitality of the law lies in its execution.)

Technical Usage: In the world of computing, 执行 is the standard translation for 'to run' or 'to execute' a program or script. When a computer 'executes' code, it is following the instructions to the letter, which perfectly mirrors the linguistic roots of the word.

In summary, use 执行 when the action involves a plan, a rule, a law, or a command. It is a high-register word that signals professionalism, authority, and systematic action. Whether you are talking about a military operation, a software function, or a marketing campaign, 执行 is the verb that bridges the gap between thought and action.

Mastering 执行 (zhíxíng) requires understanding its typical grammatical partners. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object that represents some form of instruction or plan. You don't just 'execute'; you execute something. Common objects include 计划 (plan), 命令 (order), 任务 (task), 政策 (policy), and 规定 (regulation).

Pattern 1: Subject + (Adverb) + 执行 + Object: This is the most standard form. The adverb often describes the degree of strictness or the speed of the execution.

士兵们毫不犹豫地执行了上级的命令。(The soldiers executed the superior's orders without hesitation.)

In this example, '毫不犹豫地' (without hesitation) modifies the execution, emphasizing the military discipline involved. Notice how 执行 elevates the sentence from a simple 'did what they were told' to a formal 'executed orders.'

Pattern 2: The 'Execution Power' (执行力): By adding 力 (lì - power/ability), you create a noun meaning 'execution capability.' This is a vital term in modern Chinese management theory.

一个团队的成功不仅取决于创意，更取决于其执行力。(A team's success depends not only on creativity but even more on its execution power.)

Another important structure involves the passive voice or the 'Ba' construction (把字句). When focusing on the object being carried out, 执行 fits naturally into these patterns, especially in legal or administrative contexts where the focus is on the completion of the task.

法院将从下周一正式执行这项判决。(The court will formally execute this judgment starting next Monday.)

Finally, consider the use of 执行 in the context of 'execution of duties' (执行公务). This is a common phrase used by police or government officials to indicate they are acting in an official capacity. If you see a sign that says '正在执行公务，请勿靠近' (Official business in progress, please do not approach), you know that 执行 is being used to denote the serious nature of the work being performed.

You will encounter 执行 (zhíxíng) in several distinct 'real-world' domains. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the tone and intent behind the word when you hear it in the wild.

1. The Corporate World: In office settings, 执行 is the language of project management. During a quarterly review, a manager might ask, '这个项目的执行进度如何？' (What is the execution progress of this project?). It’s about accountability and results. You’ll also hear it in job titles, such as '执行总监' (Executive Director) or '首席执行官' (Chief Executive Officer - CEO).

作为执行官，他的责任是确保董事会的决策得到落实。(As the executive officer, his responsibility is to ensure the board's decisions are implemented.)

2. **Legal and News Broadcasts**: If you watch the evening news in China (like CCTV's Xinwen Lianbo), 执行 is a frequent guest. It’s used when discussing the implementation of new national policies, the enforcement of laws, or the execution of judicial sentences. It sounds authoritative and final. For example, '执行死刑' (carrying out the death penalty) or '执行新标准' (implementing new standards).

3. **Aviation and Transport**: If you travel in China, you might hear this word in announcements regarding flight operations. Pilots and air traffic controllers use 执行 to refer to the operation of a specific flight route. '由北京飞往上海的CA1234航班正由我机组执行。' (Flight CA1234 from Beijing to Shanghai is being executed/operated by our crew.)

该航班将由经验丰富的机组人员执行。(This flight will be operated by an experienced crew.)

4. **Technology and Gaming**: For those into coding or gaming, 执行 is the word for 'running' a command. In a game, if a character needs to 'execute' a special move or a script needs to run, the Chinese interface will use 执行. It conveys the mechanical, precise nature of computer logic. '点击此处执行脚本' (Click here to execute the script).

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that 执行 is more than just 'doing'—it's about the formal, systematic, and often mandatory fulfillment of a task or role.

Even for intermediate learners, 执行 (zhíxíng) can be tricky because it overlaps with several other 'action' verbs. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 执行 with 做 (zuò): This is the most frequent error. 做 is general and informal. 执行 is specific and formal. You '做' homework, but you '执行' a mission. If you say '执行作业' (execute homework), it sounds like you are treating your math problems like a top-secret military operation—which might be funny, but it's grammatically awkward.

Incorrect: 我正在执行晚饭。(I am executing dinner.)
Correct: 我正在做晚饭。(I am making dinner.)

Mistake 2: **Confusing 执行 with 实行 (shíxíng)**. These two are very similar and often confused even by native speakers. However, 实行 usually refers to the implementation of a broad system, theory, or policy over a long period (e.g., '实行改革' - implement reform). 执行 is more about the specific act of carrying out a particular order or plan. Think of 实行 as the 'what' (the system) and 执行 as the 'how' (the action of following the rules of that system).

Mistake 3: **Using 执行 for 'performing' arts**. In English, we might say an actor 'executes' a role perfectly. In Chinese, you would use '表演' (biǎoyǎn) or '演绎' (yǎnyì). Using 执行 here would imply the actor is a robot following a script without any artistic flair.

Incorrect: 他完美地执行了这个角色。(He perfectly executed this role.)
Correct: 他完美地演绎了这个角色。(He perfectly interpreted/played this role.)

Mistake 4: **Ignoring the register**. Using 执行 in a very casual conversation with friends can make you sound stiff or overly dramatic. Unless you are joking about 'executing' a plan to go to the movies, stick to simpler verbs like '办' (bàn) or '去' (qù) in daily life.

To truly master 执行 (zhíxíng), you should understand how it compares to its synonyms. Each has a slightly different 'flavor' and is used in specific contexts.

执行 (zhíxíng) vs. 实施 (shíshī): 执行 focuses on the act of following an order or plan. 实施 (to implement) is often used for large-scale projects or technical implementations. You '执行' a command, but you '实施' a new healthcare project.
执行 (zhíxíng) vs. 履行 (lǚxíng): 履行 means 'to fulfill' and is almost exclusively used for duties, obligations, or contracts. You '履行合同' (fulfill a contract) or '履行诺言' (keep a promise). While 执行 is about the action, 履行 is about the moral or legal responsibility.

我们必须履行合同中的所有条款。(We must fulfill all the terms in the contract.)

执行 (zhíxíng) vs. 贯彻 (guànchè): 贯彻 means 'to carry through' or 'to see through to the end.' It is often used in political or ideological contexts, such as '贯彻精神' (to carry out the spirit of a meeting). It implies a deeper, more thorough level of implementation than just 'executing' a task.

By choosing the right word, you demonstrate a high level of linguistic competence. For instance, if you are in a business negotiation, using 履行合同 shows you understand legal obligations, while using 执行计划 shows you are focused on the operational timeline. Each word paints a different picture of your intent.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '执' also referred to holding a prisoner or a weapon, which adds a sense of 'holding onto something firmly' to the modern meaning of execution.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiː ɕiŋ/

US /dʒi ʃiŋ/

The stress is balanced, but the second syllable 'xíng' often carries a rising tone (2nd tone), making it sound slightly more emphasized.

Rhymes With

明星 (míngxīng) 进行 (jìnxíng) 发行 (fāxíng) 举行 (jǔxíng) 旅行 (lǚxíng) 流行 (liúxíng) 地形 (dìxíng) 情形 (qíngxing)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zh' like 'z' (not curling the tongue).
Pronouncing 'x' like 's' or 'sh'.
Mixing up the tones (zhí is 2nd tone, xíng is 2nd tone).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but common in news and business.

Writing 4/5

The character '执' has a specific stroke order that can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'zh' and 'x' sounds.

Listening 3/5

Common in formal broadcasts; easy to recognize once you know the context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

做行计划命令任务

Learn Next

实施履行贯彻行政效率

Advanced

司法执行行政干预算法优化战略部署合规性

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

执行完毕 (zhíxíng wánbì) - Execution completed.

Adverbial Modifiers

严格地执行 (yángé de zhíxíng) - Strictly execute.

The 'Ba' Construction

把计划执行好 (bǎ jìhuà zhíxíng hǎo) - Execute the plan well.

Passive Voice with 'Bei'

命令被执行了 (mìnglìng bèi zhíxíng le) - The order was executed.

Nominalization

执行的过程 (zhíxíng de guòchéng) - The process of execution.

Examples by Level

请执行这个命令。

Please carry out this order.

Simple imperative sentence.

我们要执行规则。

We need to follow the rules.

Subject + want/need + verb + object.

他执行得很好。

He executed it very well.

Using 'de' to describe the action.

执行任务！

Execute the mission!

Short, forceful command.

谁来执行？

Who will carry it out?

Question word 'who' as subject.

他在执行计划。

He is carrying out the plan.

Present continuous with 'zài'.

执行完毕。

Execution completed.

Verb + resultative complement.

不要停止执行。

Do not stop executing.

Negative imperative.

我们必须严格执行学校的规定。

We must strictly follow the school's regulations.

Adverb 'strictly' modifying the verb.

经理要求我们执行这个任务。

The manager asked us to carry out this task.

Pivotal sentence with 'ask'.

他在执行公务时受伤了。

He was injured while performing official duties.

Time clause using 'shí' (when).

这个计划执行起来很困难。

This plan is difficult to carry out.

Verb + 'qǐlái' indicating the start or process.

请你执行我的指示。

Please follow my instructions.

Formal request.

他们正在执行新的政策。

They are implementing the new policy.

Continuous action.

只有执行，才能成功。

Only by executing can one succeed.

Conditional structure 'only... then...'.

执行命令是士兵的天职。

Executing orders is a soldier's duty.

Verb phrase as the subject.

这个项目的执行力非常强。

The execution power of this project is very strong.

Using 'zhíxínglì' as a noun.

我们需要一个详细的执行方案。

We need a detailed execution plan.

Noun phrase with 'de'.

法律如果得不到执行，就失去了意义。

If the law is not enforced, it loses its meaning.

Conditional 'if' with passive 'débùdào'.

他被任命为该项目的执行负责人。

He was appointed as the person in charge of execution for this project.

Passive voice with 'bèi'.

电脑正在执行复杂的计算。

The computer is performing complex calculations.

Technical context.

我们必须按时执行合同条款。

We must execute the contract terms on time.

Adverbial phrase 'on time'.

执行过程中遇到了一些问题。

Some problems were encountered during the execution process.

Noun phrase 'execution process'.

他因为执行不力被批评了。

He was criticized for poor execution.

Cause and effect with 'yīnwèi'.

法院已经开始执行这项裁决。

The court has already begun to enforce this ruling.

Legal terminology.

执行官正在审查公司的财务状况。

The executive officer is reviewing the company's financial status.

Job title 'zhíxíngguān'.

该脚本将在后台自动执行。

The script will execute automatically in the background.

Adverb 'automatically'.

我们需要强化政策的执行力度。

We need to strengthen the enforcement of the policy.

Noun 'zhíxíng lìdù' (enforcement strength).

他完美地执行了教练的战术意图。

He perfectly executed the coach's tactical intentions.

Abstract object 'tactical intentions'.

执行死刑是一个极其严肃的话题。

The execution of the death penalty is an extremely serious topic.

Specific legal context.

这些指令必须被无条件执行。

These instructions must be executed unconditionally.

Passive voice with 'bèi' and 'unconditionally'.

执行效率是衡量管理水平的关键。

Execution efficiency is key to measuring management levels.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

各级政府应切实贯彻执行中央的决策。

Governments at all levels should effectively implement and carry out the central government's decisions.

Compound verb 'guànchè zhíxíng'.

该程序的执行效率取决于算法的复杂度。

The execution efficiency of the program depends on the complexity of the algorithm.

Technical/Scientific context.

在执行任务的过程中，他展现了非凡的勇气。

In the process of carrying out the mission, he showed extraordinary courage.

Formal narrative style.

法律的生命力在于其能否得到公正的执行。

The vitality of the law lies in whether it can be executed justly.

Philosophical/Legal statement.

由于执行偏差，原本良好的政策产生了负面影响。

Due to execution deviations, the originally good policy had a negative impact.

Complex cause-effect with 'yóuyú'.

执行董事在董事会中拥有重要的投票权。

The executive director has important voting rights on the board.

Specific corporate title.

我们要确保行政命令的执行不走样。

We must ensure that the execution of administrative orders does not get distorted.

Idiomatic expression 'bù zǒuyàng'.

执行力的缺失往往是企业失败的根源。

A lack of execution power is often the root cause of corporate failure.

Abstract analytical statement.

该判决的执行标志着这起长达十年的诉讼终于尘埃落定。

The execution of the judgment marks the final settlement of this decade-long litigation.

Highly formal, idiomatic 'chén'āi luòdìng'.

在宏观经济调控中，政策的执行时滞是一个不可忽视的因素。

In macroeconomic regulation, the execution time lag of policies is a factor that cannot be ignored.

Academic economic terminology.

这种算法通过并行执行显著提高了处理速度。

This algorithm significantly improves processing speed through parallel execution.

Advanced computer science context.

法律执行的透明度是法治社会的重要基石。

Transparency in law enforcement is an important cornerstone of a society ruled by law.

Political science/Legal theory.

他以一种近乎机械的精准执行着每一个动作。

He executed every movement with an almost mechanical precision.

Literary description.

执行权的行使必须受到法律的严格约束。

The exercise of executive power must be strictly constrained by law.

Constitutional law context.

该项目的执行偏差率被控制在极低的范围内。

The execution deviation rate of the project was controlled within an extremely low range.

Technical/Statistical context.

在执行层面，我们需要更具灵活性的应对策略。

At the execution level, we need more flexible response strategies.

Strategic management terminology.

Synonyms

实施实行履行贯彻

Antonyms

违背中止拖延

Common Collocations

执行计划

执行命令

执行任务

执行标准

执行规定

执行判决

执行程序

执行力

执行官

执行公务

Common Phrases

严格执行

— To execute strictly without any deviation.

请严格执行安全规程。

立即执行

— To execute immediately without delay.

命令必须立即执行。

强制执行

— To enforce execution by power or law.

法院申请了强制执行。

执行董事

— Executive Director of a company.

他是我们的执行董事。

执行主席

— Executive Chairman of a meeting or organization.

会议由执行主席主持。

执行预算

— To implement or carry out a budget.

我们要合理执行预算。

执行摘要

— Executive summary of a report.

请先阅读执行摘要。

执行期间

— During the period of execution.

在执行期间不得请假。

执行不力

— Poor or ineffective execution.

项目失败是因为执行不力。

执行到位

— To execute fully and properly.

工作必须执行到位。

Often Confused With

执行 vs 做 (zuò)

做 is general and casual; 执行 is formal and follows a plan/order.

执行 vs 实行 (shíxíng)

实行 is for broad systems/theories; 执行 is for specific tasks/orders.

执行 vs 实施 (shíshī)

实施 is often for projects/steps; 执行 is for following directives.

Idioms & Expressions

"雷厉风行"

— To act with the speed of lightning and the force of wind; very efficient execution.

他办事雷厉风行，从不拖泥带水。

Formal/Commendatory

"令行禁止"

— Orders are carried out and prohibitions are obeyed; strict discipline.

一个好的团队必须做到令行禁止。

Formal/Military

"阳奉阴违"

— To feign compliance while acting in opposition; the opposite of good execution.

最怕下属阳奉阴违，不执行决策。

Formal/Derogatory

"步调一致"

— To walk in step; to act in perfect coordination during execution.

大家要步调一致，执行新计划。

Neutral

"言出必行"

— To do what one says; to execute one's promises.

他是一个言出必行的人。

Commendatory

"不折不扣"

— Without any discount; to execute an order exactly as it is.

我们要不折不扣地执行上级指示。

Formal

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts; to execute based on reality.

执行政策要实事求是。

Formal

"有的放矢"

— To shoot the arrow at the target; to execute with a clear goal.

执行任务要有的放矢。

Neutral

"事半功倍"

— Half the work, twice the effect; efficient execution.

好的方法能让执行事半功倍。

Commendatory

"贯彻始终"

— To carry through from beginning to end.

这种精神要贯彻始终。

Formal

Easily Confused

执行 vs 实行

Both mean 'to carry out'.

实行 is used for systems, reforms, or long-term policies. 执行 is for specific orders or immediate plans.

实行改革 (implement reform) vs. 执行命令 (execute an order).

执行 vs 实施

Both mean 'to implement'.

实施 is more technical and project-oriented. 执行 is more about authority and following instructions.

实施工程 (implement a project) vs. 执行任务 (execute a mission).

执行 vs 履行

Both involve doing something required.

履行 is specifically for duties, promises, and legal obligations. 执行 is for actions and orders.

履行诺言 (fulfill a promise) vs. 执行指示 (execute instructions).

执行 vs 贯彻

Both involve carrying out a policy.

贯彻 emphasizes the thoroughness and the 'spirit' of the policy. 执行 is the act of doing it.

贯彻精神 (carry out the spirit) vs. 执行规定 (execute the regulation).

执行 vs 进行

Both mean 'to do'.

进行 is a neutral auxiliary-like verb for 'conducting' an activity. 执行 implies an order or plan.

进行讨论 (conduct a discussion) vs. 执行计划 (execute a plan).

Sentence Patterns

请 + 执行 + [Object]

请执行任务。

[Subject] + 正在 + 执行 + [Object]

我们正在执行计划。

[Subject] + 必须 + 严格 + 执行 + [Object]

你必须严格执行规定。

[Object] + 得到 + 执行

判决得到了执行。

在 + 执行 + [Object] + 的过程中

在执行任务的过程中。

切实 + 贯彻 + 执行 + [Object]

切实贯彻执行政策。

[Subject] + 的 + 执行力 + 取决于 + [Factor]

团队的执行力取决于领导。

[Object] + 的 + 执行 + 标志着 + [Event]

协议的执行标志着合作的开始。

Word Family

Nouns

执行力 (execution power)

执行者 (executor)

执行官 (executive officer)

执行程序 (execution procedure)

Verbs

执行 (to execute)

预执行 (to pre-execute)

Adjectives

执行性的 (executive/operational)

实行 (implement)

实施 (carry out)

履行 (fulfill)

行政 (administration)

行动 (action)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 执行 for casual 'doing'. → 做 (zuò)
You '做' chores, you don't '执行' them unless you're a robot.
Confusing 执行 with 实行 for systems. → 实行 (shíxíng)
Systems and broad policies are '实行'; specific tasks are '执行'.
Using 执行 for artistic performance. → 表演 (biǎoyǎn)
Actors 'perform' roles; they don't 'execute' them in the Chinese sense of the word.
Wrong tones (e.g., 1st tone instead of 2nd). → zhíxíng (2nd, 2nd)
Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word unintelligible.
Using 执行 without an object. → 执行任务 / 执行计划
执行 is a transitive verb and usually requires an object to make sense.

Tips

Object Choice

Always ensure the object of '执行' is something formal like a plan, order, or rule. Avoid using it with casual objects like 'food' or 'hobbies'.

Execution Power

Learn '执行力' (zhíxínglì). It's a high-frequency word in Chinese job descriptions and business books.

Tone Mastery

Both characters are 2nd tone. Practice the rising pitch to avoid sounding like you are saying 'straight' (zhí) or 'star' (xīng).

Business Titles

Recognize '执行' in job titles like '执行总监' (Executive Director) to understand the hierarchy in Chinese companies.

Court Orders

In news, '执行' often refers to the enforcement of court rulings. If a court '执行' something, it means they are making it happen by law.

Running Code

If you use Chinese software, look for '执行' in menus; it usually means 'Run' or 'Apply'.

Hold and Walk

Remember the characters: 执 (hold) + 行 (walk). You hold the plan and walk the path.

Vs. 实施

Use '实施' for technical projects and '执行' for administrative or military orders.

Formal Reports

When writing reports, use '执行情况' to describe the status of how a task is being carried out.

Efficiency

In China, being a 'strong executor' (执行力强) is one of the highest compliments for an employee.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person 'holding' (执) a plan in their hands and 'walking' (行) forward to make it happen.

Visual Association

A CEO holding a blueprint (执) and walking across a construction site (行).

Word Web

计划命令任务法律政策程序规定标准

Challenge

Try to use '执行' in three different contexts today: one for a personal goal, one for a work task, and one for a computer action.

Word Origin

The term '执行' appears in classical Chinese texts. '执' (zhí) means to hold or manage, and '行' (xíng) means to act or walk. Together, they imply managing an action or following a path.

Original meaning: To hold a position and carry out duties.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '执行' in legal contexts involving the death penalty, as it is a sensitive and somber topic.

In English, 'execution' can also mean the death penalty. In Chinese, '执行' also carries this meaning when paired with '死刑' (death penalty).

首席执行官 (CEO) - A title used globally. 执行导演 (Executive Director) - Common in film credits. 《执行力》 (Execution) - A famous business book in China.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

执行计划
执行力
首席执行官
执行预算

Legal

执行判决
强制执行
执行公务
法律执行

Military

执行命令
执行任务
执行封锁
执行突袭

Technology

执行程序
执行脚本
并行执行
自动执行

Daily Life

执行规定
执行指示
执行约定
执行流程

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在工作中，创意和执行力哪个更重要？"

"你们公司是如何执行新的安全规定的？"

"如果下属不执行你的命令，你会怎么办？"

"这个软件在执行时为什么会报错？"

"你认为法律的执行力度在过去几年有提高吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近执行得最成功的一个计划。你遇到了哪些困难？

描述一次你必须执行一个你不喜欢的命令的经历。

你认为一个拥有强大执行力的团队应该具备哪些特征？

讨论一下法律执行在维护社会公正中的作用。

如果你是首席执行官，你会如何提高员工的执行力？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, you could if you want to sound like a robot or a soldier, but it's very unnatural. Use '做作业' (zuò zuòyè) instead. '执行' is reserved for formal tasks, orders, or plans.

It means 'execution power' or 'execution capability.' It's a very popular business term in China referring to how well and quickly a person or team can turn plans into results.

Yes, '执行死刑' is the formal term for carrying out a death sentence. Because of this, the word can sound very serious and heavy in certain contexts.

It is '首席执行官' (shǒuxí zhíxíngguān). '首席' means chief, '执行' means executive, and '官' means officer.

Yes! In computer science, '执行' is the standard word for 'to execute' code, a script, or a program. For example, '执行程序' means 'execute the program.'

Think of '实行' as implementing a big system (like a new tax system) and '执行' as following a specific order (like a boss telling you to send an email).

It is primarily a verb, but it can be used as a noun in phrases like '执行的过程' (the process of execution) or when combined with other characters like '执行力'.

Yes, if you are talking about 'executing' a coach's strategy or a specific play. '执行战术' (execute tactics) is a common phrase in sports commentary.

The most common are '严格' (strictly), '认真' (earnestly), '立即' (immediately), and '切实' (effectively).

Only if the conversation is about work, legal issues, or if you are being intentionally formal/joking. It's not a word you'd use for casual chores.