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