Translation guide
The English verb 'execute' has several distinct meanings: to carry out a plan or order, to put someone to death as a punishment, to perform a technical operation (especially in computing), and to make a legal document valid. This guide focuses on the most common and useful Japanese equivalents for an English-speaking learner.
To perform or implement an action, plan, or instruction.
The most general and common translation for 'execute' in the sense of carrying out a plan, order, or task. Used in business, everyday, and technical contexts.
We put the plan into execution.
Please execute the order.
Emphasizes carrying something through to completion, often used for duties, missions, or responsibilities. Slightly more formal than 実行する.
To execute a mission.
Often used for implementing policies, measures, or events. Similar to 'carry out' or 'implement'.
To execute a new policy.
Used specifically for fulfilling obligations, promises, or contracts. Formal and legalistic.
To execute a contract.
To kill someone as an official punishment.
The standard term for executing a person as a punishment. Used in legal and historical contexts.
The prisoner was executed.
Literally 'to make into death penalty', meaning to sentence to death or execute. Common in news and conversation.
He was executed.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to die by execution'. Less common, often used in historical or formal writing.
He died by execution.
To run or carry out a program, command, or operation in computing.
The standard term for executing a program or command in computing. Same word as for carrying out a plan.
Execute the program.
Please execute the command.
Means 'to start up' or 'launch'. Often used for starting applications or processes, but can overlap with executing them.
Launch the app.
To sign, seal, or otherwise complete a legal document to make it effective.
Used in legal contexts for executing a will, judgment, or legal procedure. Also used for carrying out duties.
To execute a will.
Means 'to create' or 'draw up' a document. Often used when executing a contract or deed in the sense of preparing and signing it.
To execute a contract.
While 実行する is the most common translation for 'execute' in general, it does not mean 'to put to death'. For that, use 処刑する or 死刑にする. Using 実行する in that context would be confusing or sound like a mistake.
I executed the prisoner. (incorrect, sounds like you ran a program or carried out a plan involving the prisoner)