運動 in 30 Sekunden
- 運動 (undō) primarily means physical exercise or working out to maintain health.
- It is a 'suru-verb,' meaning you add 'suru' to say 'to exercise.'
- It also refers to scientific motion (physics) and social or political campaigns.
- Commonly heard in clinics, gyms, schools (Undō-kai), and news reports.
The Japanese term 運動 (うんどう - undō) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'physical exercise' or 'movement.' At its core, it describes the act of moving one's body with intent, whether for health, sport, or simple mechanical action. For a beginner (A1 level), you will most frequently encounter this word in the context of daily habits and health. In Japan, there is a significant cultural emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and undō is the standard word used to describe everything from a light walk in the park to an intense session at the gym.
- Physical Exercise
- This is the most common usage. It refers to activities like jogging, swimming, or calisthenics. When you want to say you are 'working out,' you combine this noun with the verb する (suru) to form 運動する.
健康のために、毎日運動をしています。
(Kenkō no tame ni, mainichi undō o shiteimasu.)
I exercise every day for my health.
- Mechanical or Physical Movement
- In a scientific or technical context, undō refers to the motion of objects. This includes the movement of planets, the oscillation of a pendulum, or the kinetic energy of a particle. It is the 'motion' in the 'laws of motion.'
- Social or Political Campaigns
- Beyond the physical body, undō is used for organized group efforts. A 'human rights movement' or an 'election campaign' uses this word to signify a collective 'moving' toward a goal.
彼は学生運動に参加しました。
(Kare wa gakusei undō ni sanka shimashita.)
He participated in the student movement.
Understanding the breadth of undō is crucial. While you might start by using it to tell your Japanese teacher that you like to run, you will eventually see it in news headlines about environmental movements (環境保護運動) or in physics textbooks discussing planetary motion (惑星の運動). It is a foundational word that bridges the gap between daily conversation and academic discourse.
激しい運動の後は、水分補給が必要です。
(Hashii undō no ato wa, suibun hokyū ga hitsuyō desu.)
After vigorous exercise, hydration is necessary.
この時計は手の運動で動きます。
(Kono tokei wa te no undō de ugokimasu.)
This watch runs on the movement of the hand.
Grammatically, 運動 is a 'Suru-verb' (Group 3 verb). This means you can use it as a standalone noun or add する to make it an action. Understanding how to switch between these forms is key to sounding natural in Japanese. Whether you are discussing your fitness routine or analyzing a political shift, the structure remains remarkably consistent.
- As a Noun (Subject/Object)
- You can use undō with particles like は (wa), が (ga), or を (o). For example, 'Exercise is good' would be '運動はいいです' (Undō wa ii desu).
最近、運動不足を感じています。
(Saikin, undō-busoku o kanjite imasu.)
Lately, I feel a lack of exercise.
- As a Verb (Action)
- Adding する (to do) turns it into 'to exercise.' In polite form, this becomes 運動します (undō shimasu). This is how you describe the actual activity of working out.
もっと運動したほうがいいですよ。
(Motto undō shita hō ga ii desu yo.)
It is better to exercise more.
- In Compound Words
- 運動 frequently combines with other kanji. 運動場 (undōjō) is a playground or sports field. 運動靴 (undōgutsu) are sneakers or exercise shoes.
When using undō in a political sense, you often use the verb 起こす (okosu) which means 'to start' or 'to raise.' For example, 反対運動を起こす (hantai undō o okosu) means 'to start a protest movement.' This demonstrates the word's versatility from the physical realm to the social realm.
ジムで運動するのが好きです。
(Jimu de undō suru no ga suki desu.)
I like exercising at the gym.
その選手は素晴らしい運動神経を持っています。
(Sono senshu wa subarashii undō shinkei o motte imasu.)
That athlete has great reflexes (literary: movement nerves).
You will hear 運動 in a variety of real-world settings in Japan, ranging from casual doctor's visits to high-stakes political news. Its ubiquity makes it one of the most useful words to master early on. Let's explore the most common environments where this word surfaces.
- Medical Consultations
- If you visit a clinic in Japan for a check-up, the doctor will likely ask about your lifestyle. A common phrase is '適度な運動を心がけてください' (Please try to get moderate exercise).
医者に運動するように言われました。
(Isha ni undō suru yō ni iwaremashita.)
I was told by the doctor to exercise.
- The Workplace and Commute
- Japanese work culture often involves long hours, leading to the common complaint of 'undō-busoku' (lack of exercise). You might hear coworkers discussing how they walk one station further to get some undō.
- News and Media
- On the news, undō is frequently used for 'campaigns.' For example, 'Traffic Safety Campaign' is '交通安全運動' (Kōtsū anzen undō). You will also hear it during election seasons regarding '選挙運動' (election campaigning).
今、全国で交通安全運動が行われています。
(Ima, zenkoku de kōtsū anzen undō ga okonawarete imasu.)
A nationwide traffic safety campaign is currently being held.
Finally, in schools, undō is everywhere. From physical education classes (体育) to the aforementioned undō-kai, students are constantly reminded of the importance of movement. If you are watching an anime set in a school, you'll inevitably hear characters talking about their undō-bu (sports club) activities.
彼は運動が苦手です。
(Kare wa undō ga nigate desu.)
He is not good at physical exercise.
While 運動 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make nuanced errors when translating 'exercise' or 'movement' directly from English. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and prevent confusion in conversation.
- Mistake 1: Using 運動 for Hobbies
- If your 'exercise' is specifically a sport like tennis or baseball, it's often more natural to say 'テニスをします' (I play tennis) rather than 'テニスの運動をします.' Use undō for the general concept of physical activity rather than the specific sport itself.
❌ ピアノの運動をします。
✅ ピアノの練習をします。
'Practice' for skills like piano is 練習 (renshū), not 運動.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 運動 with 動き (Ugoki)
- Undō is usually systematic or intentional movement. If you are talking about a single, simple movement (like a cat twitching its tail), use 動き (ugoki) or the verb 動く (ugoku). Undō sounds too formal or 'athletic' for simple daily gestures.
- Mistake 3: Overlooking the 'Campaign' Meaning
- Newer learners might be confused when they see undō used in a political context. They might think people are 'exercising' for a candidate. Remember that in these contexts, it means 'campaign' or 'movement.' Context is king!
❌ 彼はダイエットの運動をしています。
✅ 彼はダイエットのために運動をしています。
The first one sounds like a 'dieting campaign.' The second means 'exercising for the purpose of dieting.'
Finally, be careful with the word 活動 (katsudō). While both involve activity, katsudō is more about general 'action' or 'functioning,' whereas undō specifically implies physical exertion or systematic movement. If you say 'I'm active in my club,' use katsudō. If you say 'I'm moving my body,' use undō.
To truly master 運動, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms. Japanese has many words for 'movement' and 'activity,' and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific type of action being described.
- 運動 (Undō) vs. スポーツ (Supōtsu)
- Undō is a broad category for any physical exertion. Supōtsu refers specifically to organized games with rules, like soccer or tennis. You can undō by walking, but you wouldn't call walking a supōtsu unless it's competitive race-walking.
- 運動 (Undō) vs. 体操 (Taisō)
- Taisō refers to calisthenics, stretching, or gymnastics. It is a subset of undō. Radio Taisō (ラジオ体操) is the famous morning exercise routine in Japan. Undō is the general term; taisō is the specific form of rhythmic body movement.
- 運動 (Undō) vs. 活動 (Katsudō)
- Katsudō means 'activity' or 'action' in a general sense. It doesn't have to be physical. Volunteer work (ボランティア活動) or club activities (部活動) use katsudō. Undō is specifically about physical or systematic movement.
毎朝の体操は体にいいです。
(Maiasa no taisō wa karada ni ii desu.)
Morning calisthenics are good for the body.
- 運動 (Undō) vs. 動作 (Dōsa)
- Dōsa refers to a single action or a specific physical 'move' (like a gesture). It is often used in technical or formal descriptions of how someone moves. Undō is the process or the habit of moving.
In summary, if you want to say 'I need more exercise,' use undō. If you are talking about playing a specific game, use supōtsu. If you are referring to a specific stretch, use taisō. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate Japanese fitness and social culture with ease.
政治的な運動が活発になっています。
(Seijiteki na undō ga kappatsu ni natte imasu.)
Political movements are becoming active.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji 運 is also used in 'unmei' (fate/destiny), suggesting that 'movement' and 'fate' are linguistically linked in Japanese—you move your own luck!
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'n' like a full English 'n' instead of the Japanese nasal 'n'.
- Shortening the final 'o' (it must be long: undō).
- Confusing the pitch with 'undō' (movement) vs other similar sounding words.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are common but require some practice to write correctly.
The kanji '動' has many strokes and needs careful attention.
The pronunciation is very simple for English speakers.
It is a very distinct and frequently used word.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Suru-verbs (Group 3)
運動する、運動します、運動した。
Noun + は + Adjective
運動は大切です。
Noun + のために (For the sake of)
健康のために運動する。
Noun + 不足 (Lack of...)
運動不足、睡眠不足。
Noun + が + 苦手/上手 (Bad/Good at...)
運動が苦手です。
Beispiele nach Niveau
毎日運動します。
I exercise every day.
Simple present tense of the suru-verb 'undō suru'.
運動は楽しいです。
Exercise is fun.
運動 is used as the subject with the particle 'wa'.
私は運動が嫌いです。
I hate exercise.
Using 'ga kirai' to express dislike for the noun 'undō'.
公園で運動しましょう。
Let's exercise in the park.
The volitional form 'shimashō' (let's do).
どんな運動が好きですか？
What kind of exercise do you like?
Using 'donna' (what kind of) to modify 'undō'.
運動靴を買いました。
I bought exercise shoes (sneakers).
Compound noun: 運動 + 靴 (shoes).
あまり運動をしません。
I don't exercise much.
Negative form 'shimasen' with the adverb 'amari'.
お父さんは毎日運動しています。
My father is exercising every day.
Present progressive form 'shite imasu' indicating a habit.
健康のために、運動は大切です。
Exercise is important for health.
Using '~no tame ni' (for the sake of).
最近、運動不足です。
Lately, I'm lacking exercise.
The compound noun 'undō-busoku' (lack of exercise).
もっと運動したほうがいいですよ。
You should exercise more.
The advice pattern '~ta hō ga ii'.
仕事が忙しくて、運動する時間がありません。
I'm busy with work and have no time to exercise.
Noun modification: 'undō suru' modifies 'jikan' (time).
昨日はジムで激しい運動をしました。
I did intense exercise at the gym yesterday.
Adjective 'hashii' (intense) modifying 'undō'.
運動会は来週の土曜日です。
The sports day is next Saturday.
The cultural term 'undō-kai'.
階段を使うのはいい運動になります。
Using the stairs is good exercise.
The phrase 'undō ni naru' (becomes/serves as exercise).
運動の後は、たくさん水を飲みます。
After exercise, I drink a lot of water.
Using 'no ato wa' (after...).
適度な運動はストレス解消に役立ちます。
Moderate exercise helps with stress relief.
The adjective 'tekido-na' (moderate).
彼は運動神経がとてもいいです。
He has very good reflexes/athletic ability.
The idiom 'undō shinkei ga ii'.
新しい環境保護運動が始まりました。
A new environmental protection movement has started.
Using 'undō' to mean 'social movement'.
医者に毎日三十分運動するように言われました。
I was told by the doctor to exercise for 30 minutes every day.
The indirect command pattern '~yō ni iwareta'.
運動不足を解消するために、一駅手前で降ります。
To solve my lack of exercise, I get off one station early.
The verb 'kaishō suru' (to resolve/cancel out).
このアプリは一日の運動量を記録してくれます。
This app records your daily amount of exercise.
Compound word 'undō-ryō' (amount of exercise).
激しい運動の直後に冷たい水を飲むのは良くない。
It is not good to drink cold water immediately after intense exercise.
Using 'chokugo' (immediately after).
彼は学生時代、反戦運動に参加していた。
He was involved in the anti-war movement during his student days.
Compound 'hansen undō' (anti-war movement).
物体の運動エネルギーを計算してください。
Please calculate the kinetic energy of the object.
Scientific term 'undō enerugī' (kinetic energy).
その政治家は熱心に選挙運動を行っている。
That politician is enthusiastically conducting an election campaign.
The term 'senkyo undō' (election campaign).
不買運動によって、その企業の売上は激減した。
Due to the boycott, that company's sales plummeted.
The term 'bubai undō' (boycott movement).
定期的な運動は認知症の予防に効果があると言われている。
It is said that regular exercise is effective in preventing dementia.
Formal passive 'iwarete iru' (it is said).
地球の公転運動について研究しています。
I am researching the orbital motion of the Earth.
Scientific term 'kōten undō' (orbital motion).
市民団体がゴミ拾い運動を主催した。
A civic group organized a litter-picking campaign.
The verb 'shusai suru' (to host/organize).
運動機能を回復させるためのリハビリが始まった。
Rehabilitation to restore motor functions has begun.
Medical term 'undō kinō' (motor function).
彼の理論は、社会運動のダイナミズムを説明している。
His theory explains the dynamism of social movements.
Abstract term 'shakai undō' (social movement).
ニュートンの運動の法則は、古典力学の基礎である。
Newton's laws of motion are the foundation of classical mechanics.
Physics term 'undō no hōsoku' (laws of motion).
女性参政権獲得運動は、長い年月をかけて実を結んだ。
The movement to gain women's suffrage bore fruit over many years.
The metaphorical phrase 'mi o musubu' (to bear fruit).
その芸術作品は、光と影の運動を見事に表現している。
That artwork brilliantly expresses the movement of light and shadow.
Artistic use of 'undō' for visual flow.
脳の運動野が身体の各部位に指令を送る。
The motor cortex of the brain sends commands to various parts of the body.
Anatomical term 'undō-ya' (motor cortex).
労働運動の歴史を紐解くと、当時の社会情勢が見えてくる。
Unraveling the history of the labor movement reveals the social conditions of the time.
The literary verb 'himotoku' (to unravel/read).
分子の熱運動が温度として感知される。
The thermal motion of molecules is perceived as temperature.
Scientific term 'netsu undō' (thermal motion).
民主化運動の波は、瞬く間に隣国へと広がった。
The wave of the democratization movement spread to neighboring countries in the blink of an eye.
Idiomatic expression 'matataku ma ni' (in the blink of an eye).
彼は生涯をかけて平和運動に身を投じた。
He devoted his life to the peace movement.
The phrase 'mi o tōjiru' (to throw oneself into/devote oneself).
ブラウニアン運動の統計学的解析が、原子の実在を証明した。
The statistical analysis of Brownian motion proved the existence of atoms.
Advanced physics term 'Buraunian undō'.
ヘーゲルの弁証法的運動は、矛盾を通じて高次元へと昇華する。
Hegel's dialectical movement sublimes into a higher dimension through contradiction.
Philosophical usage of 'undō'.
不規則な眼球運動は、特定の神経疾患の兆候である可能性がある。
Irregular eye movements can be a sign of specific neurological disorders.
Medical precision: 'gankyū undō' (eye movement).
その革命運動は、イデオロギーの乖離により内部崩壊を招いた。
The revolutionary movement led to internal collapse due to ideological divergence.
High-level vocabulary: 'kairi' (divergence) and 'naibu hōkai' (internal collapse).
惑星の摂動運動を考慮に入れることで、軌道計算の精度が向上する。
Taking into account the perturbational motion of planets improves the accuracy of orbit calculations.
Specialized astronomy term 'setsudō undō'.
言語の変遷は、社会構造の運動と密接に連動している。
The transition of language is closely linked to the movement of social structures.
Metaphorical use in linguistics/sociology.
不随意運動を制御するための新薬が開発された。
A new drug has been developed to control involuntary movements.
Medical term 'fuzui undō' (involuntary movement).
啓蒙運動の精神は、現代の民主主義の根幹を成している。
The spirit of the Enlightenment movement forms the basis of modern democracy.
Historical term 'keimō undō' (Enlightenment).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To serve as exercise or to be good exercise.
歩くのはいい運動になる。
— To refrain from exercising (usually for medical reasons).
風邪のときは運動を控えましょう。
— Sneakers or athletic shoes.
新しい運動靴を買った。
— A sports day or athletic meet, common in schools.
秋に運動会があります。
— To be clumsy or bad at sports (informal).
私は運動音痴です。
— A petition drive or signature campaign.
公園を守るための署名運動。
— An opposition movement or protest.
ダム建設に反対運動が起きた。
— Aerobic exercise.
有酸素運動で脂肪を燃やす。
— Anaerobic exercise.
筋トレは無酸素運動です。
— Exercise clothes or gym uniform.
運動着に着替える。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Renchu is 'practice' for a skill (like piano). Undō is 'exercise' for the body.
Katsudō is 'activity' in general. Undō is specifically physical or systematic.
Idō is 'moving from point A to B' (transport). Undō is 'exercise' or 'motion'.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To be athletic or have good reflexes.
彼は何をやらせても運動神経がいい。
Informal— To settle down and commit to a movement or exercise routine.
腰を据えてダイエット運動に取り組む。
Neutral— Autumn is the season for exercise (cultural idiom).
運動の秋ですね。走りましょう。
Neutral— The beating of the heart (physiological movement).
心臓の運動が速くなる。
Scientific— Mass movement (sociological).
大衆運動が歴史を変えた。
Formal— Grassroots movement.
これは草の根運動から始まった。
Neutral— To get rid of a lack of exercise.
散歩で運動不足を解消する。
Neutral— Civil movement.
市民運動が活発だ。
Neutral— Joint movement/effort.
二国間の共同運動。
Formal— Political movement.
彼は政治運動に熱心だ。
NeutralLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean movement.
Dōsa is a specific, single physical action or gesture. Undō is a process or habit of exercise.
彼の動作は美しい (His movements/gestures are beautiful).
Both relate to physical activity.
Supōtsu implies competitive games with rules. Undō is any physical exertion.
運動のために歩く (Walk for exercise).
Both are done for health.
Taisō is specifically calisthenics or stretching. Undō is the general term for exercise.
毎朝、体操をする (Do stretches every morning).
Both can mean behavior/movement.
Kyodō usually refers to suspicious or mechanical behavior. Undō is intentional exercise or physics.
不審な挙動 (Suspicious behavior).
Both start with 'Un' and mean movement.
Unkō is specifically for the operation/running of trains, buses, or ships.
電車の運行 (Train operation).
Satzmuster
[Person] は [Frequency] 運動します。
私は毎日運動します。
運動は [Adjective] です。
運動は大切です。
[Purpose] のために運動します。
ダイエットのために運動します。
運動したほうがいいです。
もっと運動したほうがいいですよ。
運動不足を [Verb] する。
運動不足を解消したい。
[Activity] はいい運動になる。
散歩はいい運動になります。
[Type] 運動が行われている。
署名運動が行われています。
運動の法則に基づき、[Result]。
運動の法則に基づき、計算しました。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely high in daily conversation and media.
-
Using 運動 for 'practicing' an instrument.
→
ピアノの練習をします。
運動 is for physical exercise or systematic movement. Skills like music or language use 練習 (renshū).
-
Saying '運動が上手' for 'good at sports'.
→
運動神経がいい or スポーツが得意です。
While understandable, 'undō shinkei ga ii' is the idiomatic way to say someone is naturally athletic.
-
Using 運動 for 'moving' to a new house.
→
引越しをします。
運動 is exercise or motion. Moving residence is specifically 引越し (hikkoshi).
-
Shortening the vowel to 'undo'.
→
運動 (undō).
The 'o' must be long. 'Undo' sounds like a different word or just incorrect Japanese.
-
Confusing 運動 with 活動 for club activities.
→
部活動 (bukatsudō).
Club activities are 'katsudō' (activity), even if they are sports clubs. You do 'undō' inside a 'bukatsudō'.
Tipps
Daily Health
Use 運動 when talking to doctors or friends about staying fit. It's the most natural word for 'working out' in a general sense.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that 運動 is a noun. To make it a verb, just add する. This is a very common pattern for Chinese-origin words (Kango).
Undō-kai
If you are in Japan in October, look out for 運動会. It's a great chance to see the community come together for sports and exercise.
Sneakers
Japanese people call sneakers 'undō-gutsu' (exercise shoes) or 'sunīkā'. 'Undō-gutsu' sounds a bit more like school gym shoes.
Reflexes
To compliment someone's athleticism, say '運動神経がいいですね!' (You have great reflexes/athletic ability!)
Campaigns
When you see 運動 in the news, look for the words before it. If it's '選挙' (election) or '署名' (signature), it means a campaign.
Not for Hobbies
Don't use 運動 for mental activities or hobbies like 'reading exercise'. For that, use '練習' (practice) or just the verb.
Science Class
If you study science in Japanese, 運動 is the word for 'motion'. 'Laws of motion' is '運動の法則'.
Undō-busoku
If you sit at a desk all day, you can tell your Japanese friends: '最近、運動不足なんです' (Lately, I'm lacking exercise).
Kanji Meaning
The kanji 運 means 'to carry'. Think of exercise as 'carrying your body' into action.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a person 'carrying' (運) their body into 'motion' (動). You 'un-do' your laziness by doing 'undō'!
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a runner carrying a torch. The torch is 'carried' (運) while they 'move' (動).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'undō suru' in a sentence about your morning routine today. For example: 'Kesa, kōen de undō shimashita.'
Wortherkunft
Composed of two kanji: 運 (un) meaning 'to carry, luck, or transport' and 動 (dō) meaning 'to move.' Together, they signify the act of carrying out movement.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally referred to the 'carrying of movement' or systematic physical action.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'undō-busoku' is a sensitive topic for overworked salarymen.
While English uses 'exercise' for health and 'movement' for politics, Japanese uses 'undō' for both, which can be confusing at first.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
At the Doctor's
- 運動をしてください。
- 激しい運動はダメです。
- どんな運動がいいですか？
- 毎日運動しています。
At the Gym
- 運動を始めます。
- いい運動になりました。
- 準備運動をします。
- 運動着はどこですか？
At School
- 運動会があります。
- 運動場に行きましょう。
- 運動が苦手です。
- 運動部に入っています。
In the News
- 選挙運動が始まりました。
- 反対運動が起きています。
- 署名運動に参加する。
- 平和運動のリーダー。
Talking about Lifestyle
- 運動不足です。
- 運動は大切です。
- 最近、運動していますか？
- 運動神経がいいですね。
Gesprächseinstiege
"健康のために何か運動をしていますか？ (Do you do any exercise for your health?)"
"最近、運動不足だと感じますか？ (Do you feel like you're lacking exercise lately?)"
"子供の頃、運動会は好きでしたか？ (Did you like sports day when you were a child?)"
"一番好きな運動は何ですか？ (What is your favorite kind of exercise?)"
"週に何回くらい運動しますか？ (About how many times a week do you exercise?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日した運動について書いてください。 (Write about the exercise you did today.)
健康のためにこれから始めたい運動は何ですか？ (What exercise do you want to start for your health?)
運動不足を解消するための良いアイデアを書いてください。 (Write some good ideas to solve a lack of exercise.)
あなたの国で有名な社会運動について説明してください。 (Explain a famous social movement in your country.)
運動神経がいいことは人生において大切だと思いますか？ (Do you think having good reflexes is important in life?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 運動 specifically refers to physical movement or exercise. For video games, you would use 'ゲームをする' (play games). Even if the game involves movement (like VR), '運動' is only used if the primary goal is physical exercise.
運動 (undō) is a broad term for any physical activity done for health or movement. スポーツ (supōtsu) refers to organized games or competitions like soccer, basketball, or tennis. Walking is 運動, but not usually called a スポーツ.
No, moving house is '引越し' (hikkoshi). 運動 is for exercise or systematic movement. However, the physical act of carrying boxes could be described as 'いい運動' (good exercise).
You use the compound noun '運動不足' (undō-busoku). You can say '運動不足です' (I'm lacking exercise) or '運動不足を感じる' (I feel a lack of exercise).
Yes, when combined with words like '反対' (hantai - opposition), '反対運動' means an opposition movement or protest. It refers to the organized effort of people 'moving' toward a goal.
Literally 'movement nerves,' it refers to one's athletic ability, coordination, or reflexes. If someone is good at all sports, you say '運動神経がいい'.
Yes, it is a Group 3 suru-verb. You can say '運動する' (to exercise), '運動した' (exercised), and '運動している' (is exercising).
Yes, in a technical or physics context, the movement of gears or hands in a watch can be called '運動'.
Yes, 'Radio Taiso' (radio calisthenics) is a very famous form of 運動 in Japan, specifically categorized as '体操' (taisō).
While the first kanji 運 (un) means luck or fate, the word 運動 as a whole only means movement or exercise. However, the connection is that you 'carry' (運) your body to 'move' (動).
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Translate to Japanese: 'I exercise every morning.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Exercise is important.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I feel a lack of exercise lately.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'You should exercise more.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'He has very good reflexes.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I exercise for my health.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The election campaign has begun.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Walking is good exercise.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Newton's laws of motion are famous.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Involuntary movements are a symptom of the disease.'
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Write 'Exercise' in Kanji.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Do you like exercise?'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I bought new sneakers.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Let's do warm-up exercises.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I'm joining the sports club.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Environmental movements are active.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Calculate the kinetic energy.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The labor movement changed society.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The brain's motor cortex is active.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Analyze the planetary motion.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'I exercise every day' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'I like exercise' in Japanese.
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Say 'I have a lack of exercise' in Japanese.
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Say 'Let's exercise at the park' in Japanese.
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Say 'He has good reflexes' in Japanese.
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Say 'Warm-up is important' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm participating in a campaign' in Japanese.
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Say 'Walking is good exercise' in Japanese.
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Say 'Laws of motion' in Japanese.
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Say 'Involuntary movement' in Japanese.
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Ask 'Do you exercise?' in Japanese.
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Say 'I don't exercise much' in Japanese.
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Say 'I feel healthy because of exercise' in Japanese.
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Say 'Sports day was fun' in Japanese.
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Say 'The election campaign is busy' in Japanese.
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Say 'Exercise amount' in Japanese.
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Say 'Social movement' in Japanese.
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Say 'Motor function' in Japanese.
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Say 'Kinetic energy' in Japanese.
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Say 'Planetary motion' in Japanese.
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Listen to 'Undō shimasu' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō wa tanoshii' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō-busoku desu' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō-gutsu o kaimashita' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō-kai ni ikimasu' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō shinkei ga ii' and translate.
Listen to 'Senkyo undō ga hajimatta' and translate.
Listen to 'Junbi undō o shite' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō no hōsoku' and translate.
Listen to 'Fuzui undō' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō ga kirai' and translate.
Listen to 'Motto undō shite' and translate.
Listen to 'Tekido-na undō' and translate.
Listen to 'Shakai undō' and translate.
Listen to 'Undō-ya' and translate.
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 運動 (undō) is your go-to term for 'exercise' in Japan. Whether you are jogging (運動する) or discussing a social movement (社会運動), this word covers intentional and systematic movement. Example: 健康のために毎日運動しています (I exercise every day for my health).
- 運動 (undō) primarily means physical exercise or working out to maintain health.
- It is a 'suru-verb,' meaning you add 'suru' to say 'to exercise.'
- It also refers to scientific motion (physics) and social or political campaigns.
- Commonly heard in clinics, gyms, schools (Undō-kai), and news reports.
Daily Health
Use 運動 when talking to doctors or friends about staying fit. It's the most natural word for 'working out' in a general sense.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that 運動 is a noun. To make it a verb, just add する. This is a very common pattern for Chinese-origin words (Kango).
Undō-kai
If you are in Japan in October, look out for 運動会. It's a great chance to see the community come together for sports and exercise.
Sneakers
Japanese people call sneakers 'undō-gutsu' (exercise shoes) or 'sunīkā'. 'Undō-gutsu' sounds a bit more like school gym shoes.
Beispiel
毎日運動します。
