How to say "skate" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

すべるJLPT N4approx.Common
godan verb, intransitive verbUse this for the verb sense, to skate. It is really a general verb for sliding or gliding, and it also covers skiing, so context makes clear that skating is what is meant.
子供こどもたちは氷こおりの上うえを滑すべっていた。↗
The children were sliding on the ice.
スケートJLPT N3approx.Common
noun, suru verbThe noun: skating as an activity or sport, especially on ice, and also skates, the footwear. Choose this when English 'skate' names the activity or the equipment rather than the action.
とても寒さむいからスケートが出来できるよ。↗
It's so cold that we can skate.

Use 「すべる」 when 'skate' is a verb describing the gliding motion, remembering it also means to slide or ski; use 「スケート」 for the noun senses, the sport of skating especially on ice, or the skates themselves.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

すべるto slide
スケートskating (esp. ice)
がんぎえいskate (Rajidae spp., esp. the Kwangtung skate, Dipturus kwangtungensis)

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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