1.
to run, to operate, to manage (a business)
To operate or manage a business, shop, or enterprise. Slightly more formal and literary than 経営する.
父は小さな店を営んでいる。
My father runs a small shop.
この旅館は三代にわたって家族で営んでいる。
This inn has been run by the family for three generations.
祖母は一人で静かな生活を営んでいた。
My grandmother lived a quiet life on her own.
2.
to conduct, to carry out (a ceremony or life activity)
To carry out or perform certain life activities, ceremonies, or rituals. Used in more literary or formal contexts.
葬儀が営まれた。
A funeral was held.
近所の寺で法要が営まれた。
A memorial service was held at the neighborhood temple.
人々は自然の恵みを受けながら、慎ましい暮らしを営んできた。
People have lived modest lives, sustained by the blessings of nature.
Godan verb (む row: 営む → 営まない → 営んで). Has a literary quality that makes it common in written language and formal descriptions.
Sense 1 typically takes a business or shop as its object. Sense 2 is used for ceremonies (葬儀を営む) and for broader descriptions of how one lives one's life (生活を営む).
The noun form 営み means 'activity' or 'livelihood.'
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 商売を営む — to run a business
- 店を営む — to operate a shop
- 生活を営む — to lead a life
- 葬儀を営む — to hold a funeral