Translation guide
The English verb "perform" covers several distinct meanings: carrying out a task or duty, presenting entertainment on stage, functioning or achieving results, and conducting a ceremony. Japanese uses different verbs for each of these situations.
To do something that has been planned, assigned, or required, such as a job, experiment, or operation.
The most common and general verb for performing an action, task, ceremony, or event. Suitable for both formal and neutral contexts.
Emphasizes carrying out a plan, decision, or program. Often used for executing a plan or implementing a policy.
計画を実行に移す。
To put a plan into action (perform the plan).
Formal term for accomplishing or carrying out a duty, mission, or task, often with a sense of completion.
任務を遂行する。
To perform one's duty.
To act, sing, dance, play music, or otherwise entertain an audience.
To perform a role in a play, film, or show; to act. Also used for playing a part in a story or pretending.
彼はハムレットを演じた。
He performed Hamlet.
Specifically for performing music on an instrument.
ピアノを演奏する。
To perform on the piano.
To stage or perform a play, opera, or other theatrical work. Focuses on the production as a whole.
新しい劇を上演する。
To perform a new play.
To perform or show one's skill publicly, often for the first time or at a special event. Can be used for music, dance, or demonstrations.
歌を披露した。
She performed a song.
Loanword from English, used for artistic or street performances. Casual and modern.
街でパフォーマンスをした。
They performed on the street.
To work in a particular way or to achieve a certain level of success, often used for machines, systems, or people.
To function or operate as intended. Used for machines, systems, or abstract things.
この機械は正常に機能している。
This machine is performing normally.
To demonstrate or exhibit one's performance capability, often used for vehicles, computers, or athletes.
この車は高速道路で真の性能を発揮する。
This car performs best on the highway.
To achieve results or a record, often in business, sports, or academics.
彼は営業で良い成績を収めた。
He performed well in sales.
To operate or move, specifically for mechanical or electronic devices.
ロボットがスムーズに動作する。
The robot performs smoothly.
To carry out a formal event such as a wedding, funeral, or religious rite.
The direct loanword パフォームする is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate Japanese verb based on context.
✕ 彼は歌をパフォームした。
He performed a song. (unnatural)
○ 彼は歌を披露した。
He performed a song. (natural)
行う is the general verb for performing any action or event. 実行する emphasizes the execution of a plan or decision. Use 行う for most situations; use 実行する when highlighting the transition from plan to action.
医者は手術を無事に行った。
The doctor performed the operation successfully.
彼女は美しい踊りを披露した。
She performed a beautiful dance.
新しいソフトウェアの性能はどうでしたか？
How did the new software perform?
葬儀を行う。
To perform a funeral.