1.
to apply, to perform, to carry out
To apply a treatment, decoration, or process to something. Used for putting something into effect on a target.
壁にペンキを施す。
To apply paint to the wall.
患者に応急処置を施した。
First aid was administered to the patient.
この建物には精巧な彫刻が施されている。
Elaborate carvings have been applied to this building.
2.
to give (charity), to bestow, to provide (aid)
To give to those in need, often implying charity or benevolence. Has a somewhat formal or literary tone.
貧しい人に食事を施す。
To give food to the poor.
寺では困っている人に施しをしていた。
The temple was giving charity to those in need.
被災者に医療支援を施すために医師団が派遣された。
A medical team was dispatched to provide medical aid to the disaster victims.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive).
USAGE:
Sense 1 takes に to mark the target and を to mark what is applied: 壁にペンキを施す. The passive form 施されている is common for describing decorations or treatments already in place.
Sense 2 takes に for the recipient: 貧しい人に施す. The noun form 施し means "alms" or "charity."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 処置を施す: to administer treatment
- 装飾を施す: to apply decoration
- 手を施す: to take measures
- 施しをする: to give alms
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 加える: to add, to apply (general)
- 与える: to give (neutral, broader)