====== zhíxíng: 执行 - To Execute, Implement, Carry Out ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **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."
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[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.