Japanese word

運動会

Pronunciation

Romajiundōkai

Meaning

  • nounsports day, field day

Example

来週、運動会があります。rai shū un dō kai ga a ri ma su

There is a sports day next week.

Illustration for 運動会 (sports day)

More examples

学校で運動会をします。gak kō de un dō kai o shi ma su

We have a field day at school.

先生は運動会の写真を撮ります。sen sei wa un dō kai no sha shin o to ri ma su

The teacher takes pictures of the sports day.

Core concept

Centers on a planned gathering where people take part in organized physical activities and compete or cooperate as a group.

Common phrases

  • 運動会に参加するun dō kai ni san ka su ru

    take part in a sports day

  • 運動会の練習un dō kai no ren shū

    sports day practice

  • 運動会を開くun dō kai o hira ku

    hold a sports day

  • 運動会で応援するun dō kai de ō en su ru

    cheer at a sports festival

Similar words

体育祭taiikusai: A school or community event with races, team games, dances, and group performances.
体育大会taiikutaikai: A formal event centered on athletic contests held by a school or another organization.

Definition in Japanese

学校や地域などで、競走や団体競技を行う行事。gak kō ya chi iki na do de kyō sō ya dan tai kyō gi o okona u gyō ji

Word origin

運動会 (undōkai) combines 運動 (undō, "exercise") and 会 (kai, "gathering"), forming a word for a gathering centered on physical activities.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the English phrase sports day, 運動会 (undōkai) can include races, team games, dances, and group performances, so it covers more than athletic contests.

Other meanings

  • sports festivalnoun

Word lists with this word