Translation guide
The English word "conduct" has several distinct meanings. As a noun, it refers to a person's behavior or the way an activity is managed. As a verb, it can mean to organize and carry out an activity, to direct a musical performance, to guide someone, or to allow electricity or heat to pass through. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
Referring to a person's behavior, especially in a formal or official context.
General term for behavior or actions. Neutral and widely used.
彼の行動は立派だった。
His conduct was admirable.
Refers to personal conduct, often with a moral or disciplinary nuance. Used in contexts like school or workplace.
素行不良で停学になった。
He was suspended for bad conduct.
Moral conduct or deportment. Very formal and somewhat dated.
品行方正な人物。
A person of upright conduct.
To organize and perform a particular activity, such as an experiment, survey, or business.
The most common verb for conducting an event, experiment, meeting, etc.
実験を行った。
We conducted an experiment.
調査を行う予定です。
We plan to conduct a survey.
More formal than 行う, often used for official implementations or policies.
新しい制度を実施する。
To conduct a new system.
To direct a musical performance, such as an orchestra or choir.
Standard term for conducting an orchestra, choir, etc.
彼がオーケストラを指揮した。
He conducted the orchestra.
To guide someone to a place, or to lead them through a process.
To guide or show someone around a place.
客を会議室に案内した。
I conducted the guests to the conference room.
To lead or guide, often in a more abstract or spiritual sense.
彼はチームを勝利に導いた。
He conducted the team to victory.
To allow heat, electricity, or sound to pass through a material.
Technical term for conducting heat or electricity.
銅は電気をよく伝導する。
Copper conducts electricity well.
To behave in a particular way, often used with 'oneself'.
To conduct oneself, behave. Often used with adverbs like 立派に (admirably).
彼は紳士らしく振る舞った。
He conducted himself like a gentleman.
Both mean 'to conduct' an activity. 行う is more common and neutral. 実施する is more formal and often used for official plans, policies, or large-scale operations.
アンケートを行った。
We conducted a questionnaire.
新制度を実施する。
We will implement (conduct) the new system.
The loanword コンダクト is rarely used in Japanese. It might appear in music contexts (e.g., コンダクター for conductor), but for most meanings, use the Japanese terms above.
Used for conducting ceremonies or formal events.
結婚式を執り行う。
To conduct a wedding ceremony.