zhíxíng: 执行 - To Execute, Implement, Carry Out

• Keywords: 执行, zhixing, zhi xing, execute in Chinese, implement in Chinese, carry out in Chinese, Chinese word for execution, what does zhixing mean, zhi xing usage, 执行 vs 实施, 执行任务, 执行计划
• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of the essential Chinese verb 执行 (zhíxíng), which means “to execute,” “implement,” or “carry out.” This comprehensive guide explores how zhíxíng is used in formal contexts like business for implementing a plan, in law for enforcing a verdict, and in computing for running a program. Understand its cultural significance and learn to use it accurately with dozens of practical example sentences for beginner and intermediate learners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhíxíng
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To put a plan, order, or course of action into effect.
• In a Nutshell: 执行 (zhíxíng) is a formal and action-oriented word that's all about the “doing” part that follows the “planning” or “ordering” part. Think of it as taking a blueprint, a command, or a decision and turning it into a concrete action. It carries a sense of duty, precision, and following through on something that has already been decided.

• 执 (zhí): This character's primary meaning is “to hold” or “to grasp.” The left-side radical `扌` is the “hand” radical, clearly indicating an action done with the hands. Imagine holding a tool or a symbol of authority, ready to act.
• 行 (xíng): This character means “to go,” “to walk,” or “to do.” It represents action, movement, and performance.
• When combined, 执行 (zhíxíng) literally means “to hold and to do.” This beautifully captures the idea of taking hold of a plan or order and putting it into action. It implies a direct and faithful implementation of a pre-determined course.

While 执行 (zhíxíng) is a straightforward verb, its frequent use reflects certain cultural tendencies in Chinese society, particularly in organizational and governmental structures. The word emphasizes a top-down approach where decisions made by leadership are to be carried out faithfully by subordinates. In a Western business context, “implementation” might involve a dynamic process with feedback loops and adjustments along the way. 执行 (zhíxíng), by contrast, can sometimes imply a more rigid, non-negotiable carrying out of a command. This isn't necessarily negative; it often points to a high value placed on efficiency, discipline, and collective unity in achieving a set goal. The expectation is that once a decision is made, the focus shifts entirely to flawless execution, rather than continued debate. This clear distinction between planning and doing is a key feature of many Chinese organizations.

执行 (zhíxíng) is a formal word you won't use when talking about everyday chores. It is primarily used in professional, legal, military, and technical contexts.

• In Business and Management: This is one of the most common uses. It's used for carrying out plans, strategies, and decisions.
  • e.g., 执行计划 (zhíxíng jìhuà) - to execute a plan
  • e.g., 执行策略 (zhíxíng cèlüè) - to implement a strategy
• In Law and Government: The word has a serious and official tone, used for enforcing laws and carrying out sentences.
  • e.g., 执行判决 (zhíxíng pànjué) - to enforce a verdict
  • e.g., 执行死刑 (zhíxíng sǐxíng) - to carry out the death penalty
• In Computing and Technology: It's the standard term for running a program or command, a direct equivalent of “to execute.”
  • e.g., 执行程序 (zhíxíng chéngxù) - to execute a program
  • e.g., 执行代码 (zhíxíng dàimǎ) - to execute code
• In Military or Official Tasks: Used for carrying out missions and orders.
  • e.g., 执行任务 (zhíxíng rènwu) - to carry out a mission
  • e.g., 执行命令 (zhíxíng mìnglìng) - to execute an order

• Example 1:
  • 我们必须严格执行这个计划。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū yángé zhíxíng zhège jìhuà.
  • English: We must strictly execute this plan.
  • Analysis: A very common phrase in a business meeting. The adverb `严格 (yángé)` meaning “strictly” is often paired with 执行.
• Example 2:
  • 他被派去执行一项秘密任务。
  • Pinyin: Tā bèi pài qù zhíxíng yí xiàng mìmì rènwu.
  • English: He was sent to carry out a secret mission.
  • Analysis: This shows the use of 执行 in the context of missions or special tasks, common in movies and formal reports.
• Example 3:
  • 双击这个图标来执行程序。
  • Pinyin: Shuāngjī zhège túbiāo lái zhíxíng chéngxù.
  • English: Double-click this icon to execute the program.
  • Analysis: This is the standard, technical usage in computing.
• Example 4:
  • 士兵们收到命令后，立即执行。
  • Pinyin: Shìbīngmen shōudào mìnglìng hòu, lìjí zhíxíng.
  • English: After the soldiers received the order, they executed it immediately.
  • Analysis: Highlights the sense of immediacy and obedience associated with 执行 in a military context.
• Example 5:
  • 法院有权执行其判决。
  • Pinyin: Fǎyuàn yǒu quán zhíxíng qí pànjué.
  • English: The court has the authority to enforce its verdict.
  • Analysis: A formal, legal usage. It's about putting the court's decision into action.
• Example 6:
  • 这个项目计划得很好，但执行得不好。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù jìhuà de hěn hǎo, dàn zhíxíng de bù hǎo.
  • English: This project was planned very well, but it was executed poorly.
  • Analysis: This sentence is extremely useful as it separates the concept of 'planning' from 'executing' and shows how to use 执行 with a result complement (`得不好`).
• Example 7:
  • 我们的团队负责执行公司的市场策略。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de tuánduì fùzé zhíxíng gōngsī de shìchǎng cèlüè.
  • English: Our team is responsible for implementing the company's market strategy.
  • Analysis: A typical sentence you would hear in a corporate environment.
• Example 8:
  • 新政策将从下个月开始执行。
  • Pinyin: Xīn zhèngcè jiāng cóng xià ge yuè kāishǐ zhíxíng.
  • English: The new policy will be implemented starting next month.
  • Analysis: Here, 执行 is used for putting a new rule or policy into effect.
• Example 9:
  • 如果不执行这些安全规定，就会有危险。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ bù zhíxíng zhèxiē ānquán guīdìng, jiù huì yǒu wēixiǎn.
  • English: If you don't carry out these safety regulations, it will be dangerous.
  • Analysis: Shows the negative form, emphasizing the necessity of carrying out rules.
• Example 10:
  • 谁来执行董事会的最终决定？
  • Pinyin: Shéi lái zhíxíng dǒngshìhuì de zuìzhōng juédìng?
  • English: Who will execute the board of directors' final decision?
  • Analysis: A practical question about assigning responsibility for execution.

• 执行 (zhíxíng) vs. 实施 (shíshī): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
  • 执行 (zhíxíng) focuses on carrying out a specific, concrete order, task, or command. It's more direct and action-oriented. Think: execute an order.
  • 实施 (shíshī) is broader and refers to implementing a larger-scale plan, policy, or law over a period of time. It's more about the whole process of making something a reality. Think: implement a policy.
  • Example: You 执行 an order (`执行命令`), but you 实施 a new law (`实施新法律`). Carrying out the order might be one small part of implementing the new law.
• Not for Casual Tasks: 执行 is a formal word. You would never use it for simple, everyday activities.
  • Incorrect: 我要去执行我的购物计划。(I'm going to execute my shopping plan.)
  • Correct: 我要去购物。(Wǒ yào qù gòuwù.) - I'm going shopping.
• “Execution” as Performance Quality: In English, “execution” can refer to the skill or style of a performance (e.g., “The pianist's execution was flawless.”). 执行 does not have this standalone meaning. You can say someone executed a task well (`他执行得很好`), but you can't use `执行` by itself to mean “skillful performance.”

• 实施 (shí shī) - To implement. A close synonym, but used for broader, more complex plans, policies, or laws.
• 完成 (wán chéng) - To complete; to finish. This is the goal or result of successfully 执行-ing a task.
• 进行 (jìn xíng) - To conduct; to carry on. Describes being in the process of doing something, whereas 执行 is about the act of starting and carrying out a specific plan.
• 实行 (shí xíng) - To put into practice; to implement. Very similar to 实施, often used for systems, policies or ideologies.
• 计划 (jì huà) - Plan. The noun that is often the object of the verb 执行.
• 命令 (mìng lìng) - An order; a command. Something that is given and must be 执行-ed.
• 任务 (rèn wu) - A task; a mission. A specific job that one is assigned to 执行.
• 操作 (cāo zuò) - To operate; to manipulate. More focused on the physical or technical handling of a machine, system, or software, while 执行 is about following a plan or command.
• 贯彻 (guàn chè) - To carry through; to implement thoroughly. A more formal term that emphasizes seeing a policy or spirit through to the very end.