Translation guide
The English word 'running' can refer to the physical activity, the operation of machines or systems, or continuous actions. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The act of moving quickly on foot, as a sport or exercise.
Loanword from English, commonly used for jogging or running as exercise. Often implies a steady, moderate pace.
毎朝ランニングをしています。
I go running every morning.
General noun phrase meaning 'the act of running'. More formal or literal than ランニング.
走ることは健康に良いです。
Running is good for your health.
Specifically 'jogging', often at a slower pace than ランニング. Used for light exercise.
週末に公園でジョギングをします。
I go jogging in the park on weekends.
Literary or formal term for running, often used in commands or descriptions of quick movement. Not common in daily conversation.
駆け足で駅に向かった。
I ran to the station.
The state of being in operation or functioning, such as engines, computers, or events.
Refers to machines, factories, or systems being in operation. Often used in technical or business contexts.
工場は24時間稼働しています。
The factory is running 24 hours a day.
Operation of machinery or devices, emphasizing the mechanical action. Similar to 稼働 but more about the functioning itself.
General phrase meaning 'is moving/operating'. Can be used for machines, but also for anything in motion. Less formal than 稼働.
パソコンがまだ動いている。
The computer is still running.
Primarily means 'driving' (a vehicle), but can also mean 'operation' of machinery. Use with caution to avoid confusion.
Describing something that continues over time, such as a program, a joke, or a theme.
Means 'is continuing'. Use for ongoing states or actions. Attach to the te-form of a verb or noun.
その番組は10年続いている。
That program has been running for 10 years.
Suffix meaning 'in the middle of' or 'currently ongoing'. Attach to nouns. E.g., 上映中 (now showing), 工事中 (under construction).
その映画は今上映中です。
That movie is currently running.
Literally 'is flowing', used for continuous playback of media like music or video, or for things like running water.
バックグラウンドで音楽が流れている。
Music is running in the background.
To operate or manage something, like a business or an event.
Refers to running a business or organization. Noun, often used with する.
彼はレストランを経営している。
He is running a restaurant.
Managing or operating an organization, event, or system. Similar to 経営 but broader, including non-profits or events.
Means 'to carry out' or 'conduct'. Used for events, experiments, etc. Not specifically for businesses.
Describing water or other liquids flowing.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to flow'. Use for rivers, tears, etc.
川が静かに流れている。
The river is running quietly.
Transitive verb meaning 'to let flow' or 'run' (water from a tap). Often used as 水を出す.
お風呂のお湯を出してください。
Please run the bathwater.
English often uses 'running' to mean 'ongoing', but Japanese uses different constructions. Do not directly translate 'running' as 走っている for non-physical meanings. Use 続いている or 〜中 instead.
会議はまだ続いています。
The meeting is still running.
The engine is running normally.
機械を運転する。
To run a machine.
ボランティアがイベントを運営した。
Volunteers ran the event.
実験を行った。
We ran an experiment.