How to say "exercise" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 運動うんどうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe word for physical exercise in the sense of working out, training, or sports: jogging, gym sessions, getting enough exercise. This is what you want when 'exercise' means bodily activity.
- 及ぼすおよぼすgodan verb, transitive verbNot about physical exercise at all: this verb means to exert or bring to bear, as in exercising influence or causing harm or damage. It is seldom the word you want for 'exercise' itself.
- 演習えんしゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbPractice exercises and drills: problems worked through for study or training. Choose this when 'exercise' means a set task to be solved or drilled, as in classroom or workbook practice.
- 行使こうしnoun, suru verb, transitive verbUsed for exercising rights, authority, or power — the sense where 'exercise' takes 'right,' 'power,' or 'authority' as its object. Not a word for physical exercise or practice problems.
- 例題れいだいnounAn example or exercise set for the reader, as in a textbook: a sample problem to study or attempt. Narrower than 演習, it points to example problems rather than drills or practice generally.
Use 運動 for physical exercise and workouts, 演習 and 例題 for practice problems (drills versus worked examples), 行使 for exercising rights or power, and 「及ぼす」 only when 'exercise' means exerting influence.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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