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.
計画を実行に移した。
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.
任務を遂行する。
To execute a mission.
Often used for implementing policies, measures, or events. Similar to 'carry out' or 'implement'.
新しい政策を実施する。
To execute a new policy.
Used specifically for fulfilling obligations, promises, or contracts. Formal and legalistic.
契約を履行する。
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.
囚人は処刑された。
The prisoner was executed.
Literally 'to make into death penalty', meaning to sentence to death or execute. Common in news and conversation.
彼は死刑にされた。
He was executed.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to die by execution'. Less common, often used in historical or formal writing.
彼は刑死した。
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.
プログラムを実行する。
Execute the program.
コマンドを実行してください。
Please execute the command.
Means 'to start up' or 'launch'. Often used for starting applications or processes, but can overlap with executing them.
アプリを起動する。
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.
遺言を執行する。
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.
契約書を作成する。
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.
囚人を実行した。
I executed the prisoner. (incorrect, sounds like you ran a program or carried out a plan involving the prisoner)