How to say "sport" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers sport in the sense of athletics: physical exercise and games, whether played for fun or in competition. For English 'sport' meaning sporting activity in general, this is the word you want.ところであなたはどんなスポーツが好きですか。↗Well, what sports do you like?
- 遊技ゆうぎnounAlthough 'sport' appears among its meanings, the word really means game — play and games rather than athletics. For sport as athletics, turn to スポーツ instead.
- 戯れたわむれnounCovers 'sport' as playful fun — frolicking and amusement, even a whim — not athletics. Think of children or animals at play rather than any game or match.
- 競技きょうぎnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbSport as organized competition: a match, contest, or athletic event. Use it when 'sport' means a competitive discipline or event rather than exercise or play in general.
- 戯れるたわむれるichidan verb, intransitive verbThe verb for 'sport' as frolic: to play, gambol, or amuse oneself lightheartedly. It describes playful behavior — children romping, animals at play — not athletic activity.
Choose 「スポーツ」 for sport as athletics, 競技 for a competitive match or event, and 「戯れ」 or 「戯れる」 for playful fun; 遊技 is really about games, not athletic sport.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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