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Llevar a cabo vs. efectuar vs. realizar vs. cumplir vs. ejecutar

Word practice demo
In Spanish, there are several verbs that can be translated into English as to carry out or to perform. These verbs are llevar a cabo, efectuar, realizar, cumplir, and ejecutar. While these words have similar meanings, they are used in slightly different contexts and have some nuances.

Llevar a cabo

B1
This phrase can be translated as to carry out or to perform. It is frequently used when talking about doing a specific task or achieving an objective.
Vamos a llevar a cabo la reunión mañana.
(We are going to carry out the meeting tomorrow.)
La ejecución del proyecto se llevará a cabo en dos meses.
(The execution of the project will be carried out in two months.)

Efectuar

B2
This word is commonly translated as to effectuate or to make. It is often used when referring to the act of making something happen, especially in formal and administrative contexts.
El banco efectuó el pago.
(The bank made the payment.)
El ciudadano debe efectuar su voto.
(The citizen must cast his vote.)

Realizar

B1
This verb is often translated as to perform, to execute or to do, and it refers to the action of making something complete.
Voy a realizar un viaje a España.
(I'm going to make a trip to Spain.)
Realizaré mi tarea durante el fin de semana.
(I'll do my assignment over the weekend.)

Cumplir

A2
This word often means fulfilling or accomplishing an obligation. It underlines the idea of completion of previously set goals or tasks.
Debes cumplir con tus deberes.
(You must fulfill your duties.)
Puede cumplir su sueño de convertirse en cantante.
(She can fulfill her dream of becoming a singer.)

Ejecutar

B2
This verb usually means executing or implementing an action plan. It's mostly used in technical, legal, and business contexts where there's implication of putting something (especially a decision, plan) into action.
El gobierno ejecutó el plan de emergencia.
(The government executed the emergency plan.)
La empresa está ejecutando un nuevo proyecto.
(The company is executing a new project.)

Summary

Llevar a cabo refers to carrying out tasks or achieving objectives; efectuar to making something happen, especially in formal settings; realizar refers to the act of making something complete; cumplir implies fulfilling or accomplishing goals/obligations; while ejecutar primarily means executing/implementing an action plan especially in technical/business/legal contexts.