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tun — meaning in English: do
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'tun' in everyday conversations when discussing actions or tasks. For example, a friend might ask, 'Was tust du heute?' (What are you doing today?) when making plans, or someone might say, 'Ich muss meine Hausaufgaben tun' (I have to do my homework) in a school setting.
Synonyms & nuances
'Tun' is often compared to 'machen,' which also means 'to do' but carries a slightly different nuance. While 'tun' emphasizes the act of doing, 'machen' often implies creation or transformation, making it more suitable for contexts involving making or producing something.
Culture
'Tun' derives from the Middle High German 'tuon' and is related to the Old High German 'tuon,' both meaning 'to do.' This word is fundamental in the German language, often used in idiomatic expressions such as 'Was man nicht tun kann, kann man nicht tun' (What cannot be done, cannot be done), emphasizing the limits of action.
FAQ
