執る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 執る (とる) is a transitive verb meaning to conduct or take charge of a role such as chairing or directing.
• Basic usage: It occurs in combinations such as 司会を執る and 指揮を執る for responsible leadership of proceedings.
  • 今日は副委員長が会議の司会を執る。 — The vice chair will conduct today's meeting.
  • 彼は長年、祭りの指揮を執ってきた。 — He has directed the festival for many years.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Same reading, different spelling
  • 取る is also read とる, but 執る specifically marks taking charge of a duty, direction, or execution. 執って is its connective form with a small っ.