When many Japanese learners first see 行う, they often assume it has something to do with going because it uses the kanji 行, which is commonly associated with words like 行く（いく） meaning “to go.”

But 行う is a completely different verb.

How to Read 行う

行う is read:

おこなう (okonau)

Not いく, ゆく, or こう. This is one reason why it confuses so many learners.

What Does 行おこなう Mean?

行おこなう means:

• to do
• to carry out
• to conduct
• to perform
• to hold (an event, ceremony, etc.)

It is often used in formal situations, writing, news, business Japanese, and official speech.

A useful pattern to remember:

Noun + を + 行おこなう

When something を行おこなう, it usually means:

• perform something
• carry out something
• conduct something

Example Sentences

会議かいぎを行おこなう。

To hold a meeting.

実験じっけんを行おこなう。

To conduct an experiment.

調査ちょうさを行おこないました。

We carried out an investigation.

式典しきてんは来週行らいしゅうおこなわれます。

The ceremony will be held next week.

行おこなう vs 行いく

These two verbs use the same kanji 行, but they are completely different words.

Examples:

• 学校がっこうへ行いく = go to school
• 会議かいぎを行おこなう = hold a meeting

Quick Tip

If you see:

• Place + へ / に + 行いく → movement, “go”
• Something + を + 行おこなう → perform / conduct / carry out

行おこなう vs する

Both can mean “to do,” but 行おこなう sounds more formal and structured.

• 会議かいぎをする = have a meeting (casual)
• 会議かいぎを行おこなう = hold a meeting (formal)

Think of する as everyday “do,” while 行おこなう is used when something is organized, official, or important.

Why Is It Misunderstood?

There are two main reasons:

1. The Kanji 行

Learners know 行 from:

• 行いく = to go
• 銀行ぎんこう = bank
• 旅行りょこう = travel

So they expect movement-related meaning.

2. The Reading Is Unexpected

Many learners do not guess おこなう from the kanji alone.

Japanese often changes readings depending on the word, and 行おこなう is a perfect example.

Quick Tip to Remember

Think of this:

行おこなう = carry out an action
Not “go.”

It means making something happen through action.

Final Thought

行おこなう is one of those Japanese verbs that reminds us not to trust kanji appearances too quickly. Even if a kanji looks familiar, the word itself may have a very different meaning and reading.

Once you learn おこなう, you will notice it everywhere—in news articles, company announcements, ceremonies, and formal Japanese.

So next time you see 行おこなう, don’t think “go.”

Think perform, conduct, carry out.

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