Translation guide
The English word 'run' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: moving quickly on foot, operating a machine or program, managing an organization, and more. Each meaning is matched with natural Japanese expressions.
To move at a speed faster than walking, using legs.
The most common and general verb for 'run' (on foot). Can be used for people, animals, and vehicles.
彼は毎朝公園を走っている。
He runs in the park every morning.
犬が庭を走り回っている。
The dog is running around the yard.
Implies dashing or sprinting, often with a sense of urgency or speed. More literary or dramatic than 走る.
Formal term for 'running' of vehicles or machines. Not used for people running.
この電車は時速100キロで走行する。
This train runs at 100 km/h.
To cause a machine, engine, or software to function.
To manage, operate, or be responsible for a business, organization, or event.
To manage a business or company. Focuses on the business aspect.
彼は小さなレストランを経営している。
He runs a small restaurant.
For liquids, rivers, or other continuous movement.
For roads, lines, or boundaries that continue in a direction.
To pass through, go along. 'The road runs along the coast' is 道が海岸沿いを通っている.
To stand as a candidate for a political office.
Standard term for running for office.
彼は市長選に立候補するつもりだ。
He intends to run for mayor.
For events, shows, or contracts that last a certain duration.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to continue, last'. 'The show runs for two hours' is ショーは2時間続く.
English 'run' covers many concepts that require different Japanese verbs. Using 走る for 'run a company' or 'run a program' will cause confusion. Always match the verb to the specific meaning.
He dashed to the station.
General verb meaning 'to operate/move something'. Used for machines, engines, etc.
エンジンを動かしてください。
Please run the engine.
この機械は電気で動かします。
This machine runs on electricity.
Specifically for running a computer program or command.
プログラムを実行してください。
Please run the program.
Used for operating vehicles or large machinery. Implies driving or piloting.
彼はトラックを運転している。
He is running a truck.
To run or operate an organization, system, or event. Broader than 経営, includes non-profits, schools, etc.
その団体はボランティアによって運営されている。
The organization is run by volunteers.
To take charge and manage everything, often used for events or projects. Implies hands-on control.
彼がパーティーの準備を取り仕切った。
He ran the party preparations.
Intransitive verb for liquids, time, or things flowing. 'The river runs' is 川が流れる.
川が町の中を流れている。
The river runs through the town.
涙が彼女の頬を流れた。
Tears ran down her cheeks.
Transitive verb: to let flow, to run water, etc. 'Run the tap' is 水道を流す.
水道を流しっぱなしにしないで。
Don't leave the tap running.
この道は山の中を通っている。
This road runs through the mountains.
To extend, stretch. Used for roads, railways, etc. that extend to a place.
線路が町まで延びている。
The railway runs to the town.
Literally 'to ride out a horse', used figuratively for entering a political race. Slightly more formal or literary.
彼は大統領選に出馬すると発表した。
He announced he would run for president.
その映画は3時間続く。
The movie runs for three hours.
Specifically for performances (plays, shows) being staged. 'The play runs until May' is その劇は5月まで上演される.
このミュージカルは来月まで上演される。
This musical runs until next month.