Overview
ゴルフ (gorufu) is the Japanese word for the sport of golf. It's a direct phonetic borrowing, or gairaigo (外来語), from the English word 'golf.' This type of word is very common in modern Japanese, especially for concepts, sports, and technologies that originated in Western cultures. The pronunciation is quite straightforward for English speakers, with the 'go' sounding like the 'go' in 'go,' and 'rufu' being similar to 'roof' but with a softer 'u' sound at the end, more like the 'oo' in 'book' or 'foot.'
Golf gained popularity in Japan starting in the early 20th century, and it has since become a deeply ingrained part of Japanese sports culture. Japan boasts numerous golf courses, many of which are renowned for their meticulous landscaping and challenging layouts. Professional golf is also very popular, with many talented Japanese golfers competing on international tours, and major tournaments drawing significant viewership.
Beyond professional play, golf is a widely enjoyed recreational activity among people of all ages in Japan. It's often seen as a way to socialize, conduct business, and enjoy the outdoors. Golf ranges (ゴルフ練習場 - gorufu renshūjō) are abundant, providing opportunities for players to practice their swing even in urban areas. The sport is also associated with a certain level of prestige and business networking.
When speaking about golf in Japanese, you will almost always use 'ゴルフ' (gorufu). You might hear phrases like 'ゴルフをする' (gorufu o suru - to play golf), 'ゴルフ場' (gorufu jō - golf course), or 'ゴルフボール' (gorufu bōru - golf ball). The ubiquity of the word and the sport itself highlights the significant cultural exchange and adoption of Western sports into Japanese society.
Exemples
ゴルフは人気のスポーツです。
General conversation about sports.Golf is a popular sport.
週末にゴルフに行きませんか?
Inviting someone to play golf.Would you like to go golfing this weekend?
彼はゴルフがとても上手です。
Describing someone's skill in golf.He is very good at golf.
ゴルフの練習をしています。
Talking about an ongoing activity.I am practicing golf.
ゴルフ場はどこですか?
Asking for directions to a golf course.Where is the golf course?
Collocations courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Modèles grammaticaux
Comment l'utiliser
Notes d'usage
The word 'ゴルフ' (gorufu) is a direct loanword from English 'golf' and is used universally in Japan to refer to the sport. It is typically written in Katakana. When discussing the act of playing golf, verbs like 'する' (suru - to do) are often attached, forming 'ゴルフをする' (gorufu o suru - to play golf). Related terms include 'ゴルフ場' (gorufu jō - golf course), 'ゴルフクラブ' (gorufu kurabu - golf club, both the equipment and the establishment), and 'ゴルファー' (gorufā - golfer). While English loanwords are common, understanding the cultural nuances of the sport in Japan, such as the emphasis on etiquette and the social aspect, is important for effective communication.
Erreurs courantes
A common mistake might be to try and apply typical Japanese pronunciation rules that don't quite fit. For instance, sometimes people might overemphasize the 'u' sound at the end, making it sound more like 'golfu-u' rather than the crisp 'gorufu'. Another mistake could be trying to make it a two-syllable word like the English 'golf', when in Japanese it's clearly three syllables: go-ru-fu. Remember that the 'ru' sound is a distinct syllable and shouldn't be slurred or dropped. Also, since it's a katakana word, it's a direct phonetic transcription, so avoid trying to find a kanji equivalent as there isn't one.
Astuces
Word Origins
Common Usage & Context
Cultural Significance
Origine du mot
From English “golf”. First attested in Japanese in 1908.
Contexte culturel
Golf (ゴルフ) in Japan is a popular sport with a significant following, often associated with business and leisure. It gained popularity after World War II and has since become an important part of Japanese corporate culture, with many companies maintaining memberships at golf clubs for their executives and clients. There's also a strong amateur scene and numerous professional tournaments throughout the year. The etiquette surrounding golf in Japan is quite strict, emphasizing respect for the course, fellow players, and the game itself. Many courses offer beautiful scenery, sometimes incorporating traditional Japanese garden elements.
Astuce mémo
The Japanese word for 'golf' is ゴルフ (gorufu). You can remember this by associating it with the English word 'golf' as they sound very similar. Imagine yourself playing golf and saying 'gorufu' as you swing.
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsTeste-toi
ゴルフは日本で人気があります。特に、高齢者の間で[___]が盛んです。
週末には、多くの人が[___]コースに出かけ、リフレッシュしています。
彼は[___]の腕を上げるために、毎日練習しています。
Score : /3
Word Origins
Common Usage & Context
Cultural Significance
Exemples
5 sur 5ゴルフは人気のスポーツです。
Golf is a popular sport.
週末にゴルフに行きませんか?
Would you like to go golfing this weekend?
彼はゴルフがとても上手です。
He is very good at golf.
ゴルフの練習をしています。
I am practicing golf.
ゴルフ場はどこですか?
Where is the golf course?
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur sport
〜後
A2Indicates 'after' a specific event or time.
選手
B1A person who competes in a sport or game; an athlete.
攻める
A2To initiate an attack or offensive action; to attack.
ボール
A2A spherical object used in games.
野球
A2Baseball.
バスケットボール
A2Basketball
〜前
A2Indicates 'before' a specific event or time.
銅メダル
A2A bronze medal, awarded for third place.
応援する
A2To cheer for or support a team/player.
コーチ
A2A person who trains and instructs athletes or a team; a coach.