“To run” in Japanese is 走る (はしる), pronounced hashiru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To run. Another group 1 verb that looks like a る-verb: 走ります.
Example sentences
- 毎朝公園を走ります。まいあさこうえんをはしります。I run in the park every morning.
- 走らないでください。はしらないでください。Please don’t run.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 走る. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 走る はしる | run |
| Polite present | 走ります はしります | run |
| Polite negative | 走りません はしりません | don’t run |
| Polite past | 走りました はしりました | past of “run” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 走らない はしらない | don’t run (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 走った はしった | past of “run” (casual) |
| て-form | 走って はしって | run and… / please run (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 走りたい はしりたい | want to run |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to run in Japanese?
To run in Japanese is 走る (はしる), pronounced “hashiru”.
How do you write to run in Japanese?
It's written 走る with kanji, or はしる in hiragana. Both are read hashiru.
Is 走る on the JLPT?
Yes. 走る (hashiru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.