Translation guide
The English word "conduct" has several distinct meanings. As a noun, it refers to a person's behavior or the way an activity is managed. As a verb, it can mean to organize and carry out an activity, to direct a musical performance, to guide someone, or to allow electricity or heat to pass through. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
Referring to a person's behavior, especially in a formal or official context.
General term for behavior or actions. Neutral and widely used.
His conduct was admirable.
Refers to personal conduct, often with a moral or disciplinary nuance. Used in contexts like school or workplace.
He was suspended for bad conduct.
Moral conduct or deportment. Very formal and somewhat dated.
A person of upright conduct.
To organize and perform a particular activity, such as an experiment, survey, or business.
To direct a musical performance, such as an orchestra or choir.
Standard term for conducting an orchestra, choir, etc.
He conducted the orchestra.
To guide someone to a place, or to lead them through a process.
To allow heat, electricity, or sound to pass through a material.
Technical term for conducting heat or electricity.
Copper conducts electricity well.
To behave in a particular way, often used with 'oneself'.
To conduct oneself, behave. Often used with adverbs like 立派に (admirably).
He conducted himself like a gentleman.
Both mean 'to conduct' an activity. 行う is more common and neutral. 実施する is more formal and often used for official plans, policies, or large-scale operations.
We conducted a questionnaire.
We will implement (conduct) the new system.
The loanword コンダクト is rarely used in Japanese. It might appear in music contexts (e.g., コンダクター for conductor), but for most meanings, use the Japanese terms above.
We plan to conduct a survey.
Used for conducting ceremonies or formal events.
To conduct a wedding ceremony.
彼はチームを勝利に導いた。
He conducted the team to victory.