At the A1 level, you can think of 競技 (kyōgi) as a formal way to say 'sport' or 'game.' While you might mostly use 'sport' or 'game' in your first few weeks of Japanese, you will see 競技 on signs and in news headlines. It is a noun. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember it means a structured competition where people try to win. For example, if you see a sign at a park that says '競技禁止' (Kyōgi Kinshi), it means 'No formal games/competitions allowed.' It's a useful word to recognize when you are looking for sports facilities or watching the news. It is made of two kanji: 'compete' and 'skill.' So, it is a game of skill!
At the A2 level, you should start using 競技 in simple sentences to describe official events. You might say 'I like this competition' (Kono kyōgi ga suki desu). You should also learn that it is different from 'undō' (exercise). Exercise is for your health, but 競技 is for winning a prize or a medal. You will often hear this word during school events like 'Undōkai' (Sports Day). In A2, you can also learn compound words like '競技場' (kyōgi-jō), which means a stadium or a place where competitions happen. If you are talking about the Olympics, you will definitely use this word. It's a step up from the casual 'sport' and makes your Japanese sound more mature.
At the B1 level, you should understand the formal nuance of 競技. You should be able to distinguish it from 'shiai' (a single match). 競技 refers to the sport as a competitive discipline. For example, 'Rikujō-kyōgi' refers to the whole field of track and field. You should also start using verbs like 'okonau' (to hold/conduct) with 競技. For instance, 'Rainen, kono machi de kyōgi ga okonawaremasu' (The competition will be held in this town next year). You are now moving into being able to discuss the rules and structure of sports. You might also encounter '競技人口' (kyōgi jinkō), meaning the number of people who play a sport competitively. This is a common topic in intermediate reading passages.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 競技 in professional or academic contexts. You should understand how it functions in sports journalism and official reports. You can discuss the 'kyōgi-ryoku' (competitive power) of a team or nation. You should also be aware of its use in non-physical contexts, like 'Kyōgi Karuta' or 'e-sports' (e-kyōgi). At this level, you can explain the difference between 'asobi' (play) and 'kyōgi' (formal competition) using Japanese. You might also use it in the passive voice: 'Sono kyōgi wa sekai-jū de shitashimarete iru' (That competition/sport is enjoyed all over the world). Your vocabulary is becoming more specialized, and 競技 is a key word for discussing social structures and organized events.
At the C1 level, 競技 is a word you use to discuss the philosophy and sociology of competition. You might analyze the 'kyōgi-sei' (competitive nature) of an activity. You should be comfortable using the word in complex, multi-clause sentences and in formal speeches. For example, you might discuss how the commercialization of sports affects the 'kyōgi no seishin' (spirit of the competition). You also understand subtle differences between 競技 and related terms like 'shiai,' 'taikai,' and 'shumoku' without hesitation. You can read sports columns in newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or Yomiuri Shimbun where 競技 is used to describe the technicalities of athletic performance and the organizational challenges of international events.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 競技. You can use it in legal or highly technical contexts, such as 'Kyōgi Kisoku' (Competition Rules) or 'Kyōgi Dantai' (Sporting Organizations). You understand the historical evolution of the word and its kanji. You can engage in deep debates about the merits of different 'kyōgi' and their impact on national identity. You can also use the word metaphorically or in very specific niches, like discussing the 'kyōgi-jinsei' (competitive life) of an athlete in a biography. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can switch between formal 'kyōgi' and more casual terms effortlessly depending on the social setting and audience.

競技 in 30 Sekunden

  • 競技 (kyōgi) is a formal Japanese noun meaning 'competition' or 'contest,' used for organized sports and official athletic events rather than casual play.
  • It combines the kanji for 'compete' (競) and 'skill' (技), highlighting the importance of technique and rules in the activity.
  • Commonly heard in news, the Olympics, and schools, it is more formal than 'sports' and more category-focused than 'match' (shiai).
  • Essential for discussing sports professions, stadiums (kyōgi-jō), and competitive populations (kyōgi jinkō) in a natural, mature Japanese manner.

The Japanese word 競技 (きょうぎ - kyōgi) is a formal noun that translates most accurately to 'competition,' 'contest,' or 'athletic event.' While the English word 'game' or 'sport' can sometimes be used as a synonym, 競技 carries a weight of formality and structure that casual words like asobi (play) or even the loanword gēmu (game) do not possess. When you use 競技, you are referring to an activity governed by strict rules, usually involving physical or mental skill, and typically performed in a professional, academic, or official setting. It is the bedrock of how the Japanese language categorizes organized sports and competitive disciplines.

Etymological Nuance
The first kanji, 競 (kyō), means to compete, vie, or race. The second kanji, 技 (gi), means skill, art, or technique. Together, they literally describe the 'vying of skills.' This explains why the word is used for everything from the 100-meter dash to competitive shogi or chess.

In daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently in the context of the Olympic Games, which are referred to as Olympic Kyōgi. It is also used in schools during 'Undōkai' (Sports Day), where various events are categorized as specific 競技. Unlike 'sport' (スポーツ), which can be a general hobby, 競技 implies the act of competing itself. You might 'do sports' (スポーツをする) for health, but you 'participate in a competition' (競技に参加する) to win or test your limits against others. It is a word that demands respect for the discipline involved.

彼は複数の競技で金メダルを獲得した。(He won gold medals in multiple competitions.)

Furthermore, 競技 is often used as a prefix or suffix to create specific terms. For example, kyōgi-sha refers to a competitor or athlete, and kyōgi-jō refers to a stadium or arena. This versatility makes it an essential word for anyone following Japanese news or participating in organized activities. It bridges the gap between physical exertion and the formal structure of society.

Professional Context
In media, 競技 is the standard term for broadcasting sports. It sounds more objective and serious than 'sport'.

新しい競技規則が来月から適用される。(New competition rules will be applied from next month.)

Finally, consider the psychological aspect. 競技 represents the human drive to excel. It isn't just about moving the body; it's about the 'waza' (technique) mentioned in the second kanji. This is why even non-physical activities like e-sports are increasingly being called e-kyōgi in formal Japanese contexts, emphasizing the skill and competitive framework over the 'gaming' aspect.

Using 競技 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun. It most often functions as the object of a verb or as part of a compound noun. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently paired with verbs like okonau (to hold/conduct), sanka suru (to participate), or kisou (to compete).

Verb Pairings
競技を行う (To hold a competition), 競技を観戦する (To watch a competition), 競技を引退する (To retire from a competitive sport).

雨天のため、今日の競技は中止になりました。(Due to rain, today's competition has been canceled.)

When describing someone's profession, you might say they are a 'kyōgi-sha.' For example, 'Kare wa rikujō kyōgi-sha desu' (He is a track and field athlete). Notice how 競技 sits between the specific type of sport and the person. This structure is very common in Japanese sports reporting. You will also see it used to describe the nature of a game: 'Kore wa kojin-kyōgi desu ka, soretomo dantai-kyōgi desu ka?' (Is this an individual competition or a team competition?).

In academic or formal writing, 競技 is used to categorize human activities. If you are writing a paper on the sociology of sports, you would use 競技 to refer to the institutionalized form of play. It distinguishes the 'act' from the 'institution.' For instance, 'Kyōgi toshite no sakkā' (Soccer as a competitive sport) vs. 'Asobi toshite no sakkā' (Soccer as play/leisure).

その競技のルールを詳しく教えてください。(Please explain the rules of that competition in detail.)

Common Compounds
競技人口 (Kyōgi-jinkō: Competing population), 競技人生 (Kyōgi-jinsei: One's career as a competitor), 競技力 (Kyōgi-ryoku: Competitive power/ability).

Using these compounds correctly will make your Japanese sound much more natural and advanced. For example, 'Nihon wa takkyū no kyōgi-ryoku ga takai' (Japan has a high level of competitive ability in table tennis). This is a very standard way to express the strength of a national team or individual.

The word 競技 is ubiquitous in Japanese media and official communication. If you turn on the TV during the NHK news sports segment, you will hear it almost immediately. It is the 'anchor' word for all things athletic. Commentators will use it to describe the start of a race: 'Kyōgi ga hajimari-mashita!' (The competition has begun!).

News & Media
Used in headlines like 'Shinki-kyōgi no tsuika' (Addition of new competition events) or 'Kyōgi-jō no kensetsu' (Construction of the stadium).

本日のメイン競技は午後二時から開始予定です。(Today's main event is scheduled to start at 2 PM.)

In the education system, students hear this word constantly. During the annual Taiikusai (Sports Festival), teachers will announce the next kyōgi over the loudspeaker. 'Tsugi no kyōgi wa tama-ire desu' (The next event is the ball-toss game). Even though these school events are for fun, the use of 競技 instills a sense of order and formal competition in the students.

You will also find 競技 in the names of various sports federations. For example, the Japan Association of Athletics Federations is 'Nihon Rikujō Kyōgi Renmei.' If you are looking for a sports facility on Google Maps in Japan, searching for 'Kyōgi-jō' will give you much better results than searching for 'stadium' or 'park' if you want a professional track or field.

彼は競技かるたの達人として知られている。(He is known as a master of competitive karuta.)

Non-Athletic Use
Interestingly, 競技 is used for traditional games that have been turned into professional sports, such as 'Kyōgi Karuta' (competitive card slapping) or 'Kyōgi Mahjong'.

When you hear this word, your brain should immediately switch to 'formal competition mode.' It's not about playing; it's about the struggle for victory within a set of established rules. Whether it's the Olympics, a school sports day, or a professional shogi match, 競技 is the word that defines the arena of human struggle and skill.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is overusing 競技 when a more casual word like 'sports' or 'game' is appropriate. While 競技 translates to competition, using it to describe a casual weekend activity can sound unnaturally stiff or even slightly humorous to native speakers.

Mistake: Casual Overuse
Incorrect: 'Tomodachi to kyōgi o shimashita' (I did a competition with my friend). Correct: 'Tomodachi to gēmu o shimashita' or 'Tomodachi to suportsū o shimashita'.

× 公園で競技をしましょう。(Let's do a competition in the park.)
○ 公園でスポーツをしましょう。(Let's play sports in the park.)

Another frequent error is confusing 競技 (the event/discipline) with 試合 (the specific match). If you are going to watch a specific baseball game tonight, you should say 'Sakkā no shiai' (Soccer match). If you are talking about soccer as a discipline in the Olympics, you might say 'Sakkā kyōgi.' Remember: Shiai is the instance; Kyōgi is the category or the formal act of competing.

Confusing 競技 with 運動 (undō - exercise) is also common. 運動 refers to the physical movement of the body for health or training. 競技 always implies an opponent or a scoring system. You might do 'undō' alone in your room, but you cannot 'kyōgi' alone unless you are competing against a clock in a formal setting.

Kanji Confusion
Don't confuse 競技 (Kyōgi) with 協議 (Kyōgi - same reading!). 協議 means 'consultation' or 'deliberation'. Context usually clarifies this, but in writing, the kanji are completely different (競 vs 協).

× 委員会で競技する。(To compete in the committee.)
○ 委員会で協議する。(To deliberate in the committee.)

Lastly, remember that 競技 is a 'Sino-Japanese' word (Kango), which gives it its formal tone. Using it in very informal slang contexts might make you sound like a sports commentator or a news anchor, which can be a fun stylistic choice but should be done intentionally.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 競技 helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and context. While 競技 is the formal 'umbrella' term for competition, other words are more common in specific situations.

スポーツ (Sports)
The most general term. It includes casual play, exercise, and professional competition. Use this when you aren't specifically emphasizing the 'contest' aspect.
試合 (Shiai)
A 'match' or 'game.' This refers to a single instance of competition. 'Kyōgi' is the sport; 'Shiai' is the specific event on Saturday.
種目 (Shumoku)
An 'event' or 'discipline' within a larger competition. For example, in the 'Rikujō-kyōgi' (Track and Field), the 100m sprint is a 'shumoku'.

オリンピックには多くの競技がありますが、私は水泳種目が好きです。(There are many competitions in the Olympics, but I like the swimming events.)

When should you use 争い (Arasoi)? 争い means 'struggle' or 'conflict.' While 競技 is a structured contest with rules, 争い can be anything from a war to a sibling rivalry. If a competition becomes very heated and personal, a commentator might describe it as a 'hageshii arasoi' (a fierce struggle), but the event itself is still a 競技.

For traditional martial arts, you might hear 武道 (Budō). While Budō can be practiced as a 競技, the term Budō emphasizes the spiritual and defensive aspects. However, when Judo is in the Olympics, it is officially classified as a 競技. This shows how 競技 is the 'administrative' and 'organizational' label for all competitive endeavors.

大会 (Taikai)
A 'tournament' or 'convention.' This refers to the whole gathering. A Taikai consists of many Kyōgi.

By mastering these distinctions, you can navigate sports conversations in Japanese with precision. Use 競技 for the discipline, 試合 for the match, 種目 for the specific event, and 大会 for the tournament. This clarity will mark you as an advanced learner of the language.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Before the word 'sport' was imported as a loanword (スポーツ), 競技 was one of the primary ways Japanese people described the newly introduced Western games like baseball and track.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kjɔːɡi/
US /kjoʊɡi/
Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'Kyōgi', the pitch usually starts high on 'Kyō' and drops on 'gi' (Atamadaka-gata).
Reimt sich auf
Shōgi (Japanese chess) Hyōgi (Conference) Ryōji (Consul) Kōgi (Lecture) Yōgi (Suspicion) Sōgi (Funeral) Bōgi (Deliberation) Jōgi (Ruler/Straightedge)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as three syllables (ki-yo-gi). It is two: kyo-gi.
  • Using a soft 'g' (like 'ji'). It must be a hard 'g'.
  • Shortening the 'o' sound. It is a long vowel (kyō).
  • Confusing the pitch with 'kyōgi' (consultation), which may have a different accent in some dialects.
  • Mixing up the kanji in writing with similar-sounding words.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji are N3 level, but the word is common in media.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji '競' has many strokes and is tricky to write correctly.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but pitch accent matters.

Hören 2/5

Very common in sports broadcasts; easy to recognize once learned.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

スポーツ (Sports) 試合 (Match) 練習 (Practice) 勝つ (To win) 負ける (To lose)

Als Nächstes lernen

種目 (Event/Discipline) 選手権 (Championship) 審判 (Referee) 記録 (Record) 表彰台 (Podium)

Fortgeschritten

切磋琢磨 (Friendly rivalry) 正々堂々 (Fair and square) 真剣勝負 (Serious match) 不戦勝 (Win by default) ドーピング規定 (Doping regulations)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + を行う (To conduct/hold)

競技を行う (To hold a competition)

Noun + に参加する (To participate in)

競技に参加する (To participate in a competition)

Noun + を通じて (Through/Via)

競技を通じて学ぶ (Learn through competition)

Noun + 中 (During/Underway)

競技中 (During the competition)

Noun + 禁止 (Prohibited)

競技禁止 (Competitions prohibited)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

これは何の競技ですか?

What competition is this?

Basic 'Noun + desu ka' question structure.

2

私はこの競技が好きです。

I like this competition.

Using 'suki' to express preference for a sport.

3

競技は明日です。

The competition is tomorrow.

Simple time indication using 'ashita'.

4

競技場はどこですか?

Where is the stadium?

Compound noun 'kyōgi-jō' (competition place).

5

新しい競技を見ます。

I will watch a new competition.

Direct object marker 'o' with the verb 'miru'.

6

これは人気の競技です。

This is a popular competition.

Adjective 'ninki no' modifying the noun 'kyōgi'.

7

競技が始まります。

The competition is starting.

Intransitive verb 'hajimaru' with subject marker 'ga'.

8

スポーツ競技は楽しいです。

Sports competitions are fun.

Compound word 'supōtsu-kyōgi' (sports competition).

1

彼は有名な競技者です。

He is a famous competitor.

Suffix '-sha' meaning 'person' added to 'kyōgi'.

2

どの競技に参加しますか?

Which competition will you participate in?

Particle 'ni' used with 'sanka suru' (participate).

3

競技のルールは難しいです。

The rules of the competition are difficult.

Possessive particle 'no' connecting 'kyōgi' and 'rūru'.

4

昨日の競技は面白かったです。

Yesterday's competition was interesting.

Past tense of the adjective 'omoshiroi'.

5

ここで競技をしないでください。

Please do not hold competitions here.

Negative request form '~naide kudasai'.

6

彼は三つの競技に出ました。

He entered three competitions.

Counter for events 'mitsu' and verb 'deru' (to enter/appear).

7

競技の結果はどうでしたか?

How was the result of the competition?

Noun 'kekka' (result) used with 'kyōgi'.

8

この町には大きな競技場があります。

There is a large stadium in this town.

Existence verb 'arimasu' for inanimate objects.

1

雨で競技が中止になりました。

The competition was canceled due to rain.

Particle 'de' indicating cause/reason.

2

競技人口が年々増えています。

The competing population is increasing year by year.

Compound 'kyōgi jinkō' and present continuous 'te-iru'.

3

彼は複数の競技で記録を持っています。

He holds records in multiple competitions.

Using 'de' to indicate the field of achievement.

4

正式な競技規則に従ってください。

Please follow the official competition rules.

Verb 'shitagau' (follow/obey) with particle 'ni'.

5

次の競技は10時に開始されます。

The next competition will be started at 10 o'clock.

Passive voice 'kaishi sareru' for formal announcements.

6

彼は競技を引退することを決めました。

He decided to retire from competition.

Nominalizing the verb 'intaisuru' with 'koto'.

7

どの競技種目が一番得意ですか?

Which competition event are you best at?

Compound 'kyōgi shumoku' (competition event/discipline).

8

競技中は私語を慎んでください。

Please refrain from talking during the competition.

Suffix '-chū' meaning 'during' or 'in the middle of'.

1

この競技は高い集中力が要求されます。

This competition requires a high level of concentration.

Passive verb 'yōkyū sareru' (is required).

2

彼は競技生活を通じて多くのことを学んだ。

He learned many things through his life as a competitor.

Grammar pattern '~o tsūjite' (through/via).

3

競技の公平性を保つことが重要です。

It is important to maintain the fairness of the competition.

Abstract noun 'kōheisei' (fairness).

4

日本は柔道という競技で強いです。

Japan is strong in the sport of Judo.

Apposition using '~to iu' (called/known as).

5

競技力の向上には日々の練習が欠かせない。

Daily practice is indispensable for improving competitive ability.

Noun 'kōjō' (improvement) and '~ni wa' (for...).

6

新しい競技場は最新の設備を備えている。

The new stadium is equipped with the latest facilities.

Verb 'sonaeru' (to equip/possess).

7

彼は競技かるたの大会で優勝した。

He won the championship in a competitive karuta tournament.

Specific term 'kyōgi karuta'.

8

この競技は年齢を問わず楽しめます。

This competition can be enjoyed regardless of age.

Grammar pattern '~o towazu' (regardless of).

1

競技の商業化が進む中、本来の精神が失われつつある。

While the commercialization of competition progresses, the original spirit is being lost.

Patterns '~naka' (while/amidst) and '~tsutsu aru' (in the process of).

2

ドーピング問題は競技の根幹を揺るがす事態だ。

The doping issue is a situation that shakes the very foundation of competition.

Metaphorical use of 'konkan o yurugasu'.

3

彼は怪我により、無念の競技生活終了を余儀なくされた。

Due to injury, he was forced to bring his competitive career to a regrettable end.

Grammar pattern '~o yogi naku sareta' (was forced to).

4

競技者としての倫理観が問われている。

One's sense of ethics as a competitor is being called into question.

Passive 'towarete iru' (is being questioned).

5

その競技は、古代ギリシャの祭典に由来する。

The competition originates from ancient Greek festivals.

Verb 'yurai suru' (to originate from).

6

国際的な競技団体の意向により、ルールが変更された。

Rules were changed due to the intentions of international sporting organizations.

Noun 'ikō' (intentions) and particle 'ni yori'.

7

競技の普及には、メディアの協力が不可欠である。

Media cooperation is essential for the popularization of the competition.

Noun 'fukyū' (popularization) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

8

過酷な競技環境が、選手の心身を蝕んでいる。

The harsh competitive environment is eroding the athletes' minds and bodies.

Verb 'mushibamu' (to erode/undermine).

1

競技の枠を超えた人間ドラマが観客を魅了した。

Human drama that transcended the framework of competition captivated the audience.

Pattern '~no waku o koeta' (beyond the framework of).

2

彼は競技人生の集大成として、この大会に臨んでいる。

He is approaching this tournament as the culmination of his competitive life.

Noun 'shūtaisei' (culmination/summation).

3

競技の純粋性を守るための厳格なドーピング検査が実施された。

Rigorous doping tests were implemented to protect the purity of the competition.

Noun 'junsuisei' (purity/integrity).

4

近代五輪における競技種目の変遷を辿る。

Tracing the transition of competition events in the modern Olympics.

Noun 'hensen' (transition/changes over time).

5

競技における勝利至上主義の弊害が議論されている。

The harmful effects of a 'win-at-all-costs' mentality in competition are being debated.

Compound 'shōri shijō shugi' (victory-above-all-ism).

6

その競技場は、都市再開発の象徴として建設された。

The stadium was built as a symbol of urban redevelopment.

Noun 'saikaigatsu' (redevelopment) and 'shōchō' (symbol).

7

競技の普及に伴い、関連産業も飛躍的に発展した。

Along with the spread of the competition, related industries also developed exponentially.

Pattern '~ni toomonai' (along with/accompanying).

8

彼は競技中の事故により、再起不能の宣告を受けた。

Due to an accident during competition, he was told he could never return to the sport.

Idiom 'saiki funō' (impossible to recover/come back).

Synonyme

試合 競争 コンテスト 種目 大会

Häufige Kollokationen

競技を行う
競技に参加する
競技を観戦する
競技規則
競技人口
競技場
競技者
競技人生
個人競技
団体競技

Häufige Phrasen

陸上競技

— Track and field. Literally 'on-land competition.'

彼は陸上競技の選手です。(He is a track and field athlete.)

水泳競技

— Swimming competition/discipline.

水泳競技がプールで始まった。(The swimming competition started in the pool.)

競技かるた

— Competitive Karuta (a Japanese card game).

競技かるたは非常に激しいスポーツだ。(Competitive karuta is a very intense sport.)

五輪競技

— Olympic events/disciplines.

新しい五輪競技が追加された。(New Olympic events were added.)

競技力向上

— Improving competitive strength/performance.

競技力向上のための合宿を行う。(Hold a training camp to improve competitive strength.)

公式競技

— Official competition/sanctioned event.

これは公式競技ではありません。(This is not an official competition.)

室内競技

— Indoor sports/competitions.

バレーボールは室内競技です。(Volleyball is an indoor sport.)

冬季競技

— Winter sports/competitions.

スキーは代表的な冬季競技だ。(Skiing is a representative winter sport.)

球技競技

— Ball games/competitions.

彼はあらゆる球技競技が得意だ。(He is good at all kinds of ball games.)

競技を引退する

— To retire from competitive sports.

30歳で競技を引退した。(Retired from competition at age 30.)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

競技 vs 協議 (Kyōgi)

Same pronunciation, but means 'consultation' or 'deliberation.' Check the kanji (協 vs 競).

競技 vs 狂気 (Kyōki)

Similar sound, but means 'madness' or 'insanity.' Be careful with the long vowels.

競技 vs 凶器 (Kyōki)

Similar sound, but means 'lethal weapon.' Very different context!

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"競技に血を沸かす"

— To get one's blood boiling/excited for a competition.

観客は熱い競技に血を沸かした。(The audience's blood boiled with the heated competition.)

Literary
"競技の華"

— The 'flower' or highlight of the competition (the most popular event).

100メートル走は陸上の競技の華だ。(The 100m dash is the highlight of track and field.)

Neutral
"競技生活にピリオドを打つ"

— To put a period on (end) one's competitive career.

彼はついに競技生活にピリオドを打った。(He finally ended his competitive career.)

Formal/Literary
"しのぎを削る競技"

— A competition where rivals fight tooth and nail.

二人は表彰台をかけてしのぎを削る競技を見せた。(The two showed a tooth-and-nail competition for the podium.)

Journalistic
"競技の神様"

— The god of competition (referring to luck or a legendary athlete).

競技の神様が彼に微笑んだ。(The god of competition smiled upon him.)

Neutral
"一進一退の競技"

— A seesaw competition (back and forth).

一進一退の競技展開に目が離せない。(I can't take my eyes off the seesaw competition.)

Journalistic
"競技の枠に収まらない"

— To not fit within the box of a mere competition (transcending sport).

彼の走りはもはや競技の枠に収まらない芸術だ。(His running is an art that no longer fits within the framework of competition.)

Literary
"競技の鉄則"

— The iron-clad rule of the competition.

最後まで諦めないのが競技の鉄則だ。(Not giving up until the end is the iron rule of competition.)

Neutral
"競技を盛り上げる"

— To liven up or build excitement for the competition.

若手選手の活躍が競技を盛り上げている。(The activity of young athletes is livening up the competition.)

Neutral
"競技の行方"

— The outcome or 'whereabouts' of the competition.

競技の行方は誰にも分からない。(No one knows the outcome of the competition.)

Journalistic

Leicht verwechselbar

競技 vs 試合 (Shiai)

Both mean 'game' or 'match.'

Shiai is a specific match instance; Kyōgi is the discipline or the formal act of competing. You go to a 'shiai,' but you compete in a 'kyōgi.'

テニスの試合 (Tennis match) vs テニスという競技 (The sport of tennis).

競技 vs 運動 (Undō)

Both involve physical activity.

Undō is general exercise for health; Kyōgi is a structured contest with rules and opponents.

朝の運動 (Morning exercise) vs 陸上競技 (Track and field competition).

競技 vs 遊び (Asobi)

Both involve 'playing' something.

Asobi is casual, unstructured play for fun; Kyōgi is formal, structured, and goal-oriented.

公園の遊び (Playing in the park) vs 公式競技 (Official competition).

競技 vs 大会 (Taikai)

Both refer to sporting events.

Taikai is the tournament or convention itself; Kyōgi is the actual contest or discipline within it.

県大会 (Prefectural tournament) vs 競技種目 (Competition event).

競技 vs 種目 (Shumoku)

Both refer to types of sports.

Shumoku is more specific, referring to the exact event (like 100m sprint) within a 'kyōgi' category.

水泳競技の自由形という種目 (The freestyle event in swimming competition).

Satzmuster

A1

これは[競技]です。

これは水泳競技です。

A2

[競技]に参加します。

明日の競技に参加します。

B1

[競技]が行われます。

来週、競技が行われます。

B1

[競技]のルールを守る。

競技のルールをしっかり守る。

B2

[競技]を通じて[Noun]を学ぶ。

競技を通じて友情を学ぶ。

B2

[競技]人口が増えている。

テニスの競技人口が増えている。

C1

[競技]の枠を超えて[Verb]。

競技の枠を超えて協力する。

C2

[競技]人生の集大成として[Verb]。

競技人生の集大成として金メダルを狙う。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

競技者 (Competitor)
競技場 (Stadium)
競技会 (Meet/Tournament)
競技力 (Competitive power)

Verben

競技する (To compete - less common than 'okonau')
競う (Kiso-u: To compete - the root verb)

Adjektive

競技的な (Competitive - used for nature/atmosphere)

Verwandt

スポーツ (Sports)
試合 (Match)
五輪 (Olympics)
選手 (Athlete)
審判 (Referee)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very frequent in news, education, and sports-related conversations.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 競技 for casual play. Use スポーツ or 遊び.

    競技 implies a formal structure with official rules and usually a professional or academic setting.

  • Confusing 競技 with 協議. Check the kanji (競 = compete, 協 = cooperate).

    They are homophones but have opposite meanings. One is for sports; the other is for meetings.

  • Saying 'Kyōgi-suru' for playing a match. Use 'Shiai o suru' or 'Kyōgi ni sanka suru'.

    競技 is primarily a noun. While the verb form exists, it is very stiff and rare in conversation.

  • Using 競技 to mean 'exercise'. Use 運動 (undō).

    Exercise is for health; 競技 is for competition. You don't 'compete' during your morning jog.

  • Mispronouncing the long 'ō'. Kyōgi (long 'o').

    Shortening it to 'kyogi' might lead to confusion with other words or just sound like a foreign accent.

Tipps

Formal Contexts

Always use 競技 when writing reports or formal emails about sports events. It shows you understand the professional nature of the activity.

Stroke Order

The kanji 競 (compete) is complex. Practice the left and right sides carefully; they are almost identical but have subtle differences in stroke flow.

Compound Power

Learn 競技 with its common suffixes like -sha (person) and -jō (place). This instantly triples your useful vocabulary.

News Anchors

Listen for the word during the sports segment of NHK News. It's often the very first word used to introduce a new story.

Pitch Accent

Remember the drop in pitch after 'Kyō'. Saying it flat might make it harder for natives to distinguish from similar-sounding words.

Sports Day

If you are in Japan during October, you will hear this word everywhere. It's the month of 'Taiiku no Hi' (Health and Sports Day).

Avoid Katakana

While 'コンペ' (konpe) is used in business, never use it for the Olympics. Stick to 競技 for true athletic events.

Particle Choice

Use 'de' for the field of competition (e.g., suie de) and 'ni' for the act of participating (e.g., kyōgi ni sanka suru).

Skill & Race

Think: 'Kyō' (Competition) + 'Gi' (Skill). A competition of skills. This helps you remember both the meaning and the kanji.

Nuance Check

競技 focuses on the *discipline*, while 試合 focuses on the *conflict*. Use 競技 to sound more like an expert.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'KYOto' athlete showing off their 'GI' (martial arts uniform) in a skills contest. KYO-GI: Kyoto-Gi contest.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine two athletes in a stadium (Kyōgi-jō) performing a high-jump. The bar represents the 'skill' (技) and they are 'competing' (競) to clear it.

Word Web

Olympics Rules Stadium Athlete Skill Win Medal Referee

Herausforderung

Try to find 3 different 'kyōgi' in a Japanese news broadcast today. Write down the names of the events.

Wortherkunft

Derived from Middle Chinese roots (Sino-Japanese/Kango). The combination of these two characters was standardized in the Meiji era to translate Western concepts of organized sports and athletic contests.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Vying (競) of techniques/skills (技).

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Kultureller Kontext

No major sensitivities, but when discussing 'kyōgi,' avoid implying that 'asobi' (play) is inferior; they are simply different social categories.

English speakers often just say 'sports,' but Japanese people use 'kyōgi' to make it sound more like an official event or a serious pursuit.

Chihayafuru (manga/anime about Kyōgi Karuta) The 1964 and 2020 Tokyo Olympics National High School Baseball Championship (Kōshien)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Olympic Games

  • 五輪競技
  • 新競技の採用
  • 競技日程
  • メダル争い

School Sports Day

  • 午前の競技
  • 団体競技の準備
  • 競技の合図
  • 全競技終了

Sports News

  • 競技結果速報
  • 競技場の熱気
  • 注目競技
  • 競技者へのインタビュー

Professional Career

  • 競技生活のスタート
  • 競技力の限界
  • 競技に打ち込む
  • 競技からの引退

Stadium Facilities

  • 競技用プール
  • 競技場へのアクセス
  • 多目的競技場
  • 競技エリア

Gesprächseinstiege

"一番好きなオリンピック競技は何ですか? (What is your favorite Olympic event?)"

"最近、何か新しい競技を始めましたか? (Have you started any new competitive sports recently?)"

"個人競技と団体競技、どちらが好きですか? (Do you like individual or team sports better?)"

"子供の頃、学校の競技で何が得意でしたか? (What school event were you good at as a child?)"

"日本で一番人気のある競技は何だと思いますか? (What competition do you think is most popular in Japan?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

もし新しい競技をオリンピックに追加できるなら、何を選びますか?その理由も書いてください。 (If you could add a new competition to the Olympics, what would it be and why?)

競技で勝つことと、楽しむこと、どちらが大切だと思いますか? (Which is more important: winning a competition or enjoying it?)

自分の人生を一つの競技に例えると、何ですか? (If you compared your life to a competition, what would it be?)

最近見た競技で一番感動したシーンについて書いてください。 (Write about the most moving scene you saw in a recent competition.)

競技における「フェアプレー」とは何だと思いますか? (What do you think 'fair play' means in competition?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, especially in the context of 'e-sports.' In formal Japanese, e-sports are often called 'e-kyōgi' (e-競技) to emphasize the skill and competitive aspect over casual gaming.

Yes. Board games that have professional structures, like Shogi, Go, or Chess, are referred to as 競技 when discussing them as professional disciplines. For example, 'Kyōgi Karuta' is very famous.

競技場 (Kyōgi-jō) is the formal Japanese word, often used for multi-purpose athletic fields or Olympic venues. 'Sutajiamu' is a loanword that is more common for baseball or soccer-specific venues in casual speech.

You say 'Kojin-kyōgi' (個人競技). 'Kojin' means individual, and 'kyōgi' means competition.

While 'kyōgi-suru' exists, it is much less common than 'kyōgi o okonau' (to hold a competition) or 'kyōgi ni sanka suru' (to participate). Using it as a noun is the most natural way.

Usually, yes, but not always. As seen with 'e-sports' and 'Karuta,' the key is the 'vying of skills' (技を競う) within a formal framework, not necessarily physical exertion.

The word itself is usually taught at the N3/N2 level (Intermediate), but the concept is introduced to A1/A2 learners because it is so common on signs and in news.

It doesn't! That is 'Kyōgi' written with different kanji (協議). They sound the same but have completely different meanings. Always check the kanji.

It sounds a bit too formal. For a friendly race, 'kakekko' (for kids) or just 'shiai' is better. Using 'kyōgi' makes it sound like you have a referee and a trophy.

It is the standard Japanese term for 'Track and Field.' 'Rikujō' means 'on land.' It is one of the most common uses of the word 競技.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 競技 to describe your favorite sport.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I will participate in the swimming competition tomorrow.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the difference between 競技 and 試合 in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the National Stadium (国立競技場) using a simple sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 競技人口 in a sentence about a popular sport.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal announcement for a competition starting at 10 AM.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Please follow the competition rules strictly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 競技人生 to describe an athlete's retirement.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 競技場 and Akusesu (access).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is this an individual or team competition?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about e-sports using 競技.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a rainy day's impact on a competition.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 競技力 to talk about Japan's strength in Judo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I am looking forward to watching the competition.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 競技の華 (highlight of the competition).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The number of competition events has increased.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 競技者 to describe a friend who is an athlete.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write about the importance of fair play in 競技.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The rules of the competition are updated annually.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 競技の枠を超えて in a complex sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I like individual sports' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Where is the stadium?' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The competition starts at 10:00' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Please tell me the rules' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I will participate in the marathon' using 'kyōgi'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'He is a famous athlete' using 'kyōgi-sha'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The competition was canceled due to rain'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The competing population is increasing'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I want to improve my competitive ability'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I retired from competition last year'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Track and field is fun' using 'rikujō-kyōgi'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'What event are you best at?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The stadium is very far from here'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am watching the swimming competition on TV'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Olympic events are exciting'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'There are many sports in the world'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Fair play is important in competition'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The next event is the relay race'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I learned a lot from my life in sports'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The stadium is being built'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the word: きょうぎ. What does it mean?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎじょう. Where is this place?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎしゃ. Who is this person?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎじんこう. What is being discussed?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎきそく. What should you follow?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: りくじょうきょうぎ. Which sport is this?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: すいえいきょうぎ. Where does this happen?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎをちゅうしする. What happened to the game?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎにさんかする. What is the person doing?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎをかんせんする. What is the person doing?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎりょくのこうじょう. What is the goal?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎじんせい. What is the topic?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: こじんきょうぎ. Is this a team sport?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: だんたいきょうぎ. Is this a solo sport?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: きょうぎのしゅもく. What is being selected?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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