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Vocabulary
泳ぎます

A2 verb 8 min read

泳ぎます

oyogimasu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 泳ぎます in 30 Seconds

Explanation 泳ぎます in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic use of 'oyogimasu.' This involves stating whether you swim or not, usually in a pool or the sea. You will learn to use the particle 'de' to mark the location. The focus is on the present tense 'oyogimasu' and the negative 'oyogimasen.' Students at this level should be able to say 'I swim in the pool' or 'I do not swim in the sea.' The goal is to express simple habits and immediate plans. You will also learn the question form 'oyogimasu ka?' to ask others about their activities. Vocabulary is limited to simple locations like 'puuru' (pool) and 'umi' (sea). The grammar is kept to the polite -masu form to ensure successful basic communication in a classroom or travel setting.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'oyogimasu' to include past experiences and desires. You will learn to say 'oyogimashita' (swam) to describe your weekend or last summer. This level also introduces the 'want to' form: 'oyogitai desu.' For example, 'I want to swim in the ocean.' You will start using more descriptive adverbs like 'yoku' (often) or 'hayaku' (fast). The concept of 'going to swim' (oyogi ni ikimasu) is also introduced here, allowing you to discuss intentions. You should be able to handle simple conversations about swimming as a hobby or a vacation activity. Understanding the difference between 'de' (location) and 'ni' (direction) becomes more important as your sentences become more complex.

At the B1 level, the focus shifts to ability and frequency. You will learn the potential form 'oyogemasu' (can swim) and how to use it with 'koto ga dekimasu.' This allows you to discuss your skills in more detail, such as 'I can swim 500 meters.' You will also start using the 'te-form' (oyoide) to connect 'oyogimasu' with other verbs, such as 'I swam and then ate lunch.' This level introduces the 'while' structure: 'oyogi-nagara' (while swimming). You can now describe more complex scenarios, like 'I listen to music while swimming' (metaphorically or with waterproof gear). You'll also encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as news reports about swimming competitions or health articles.

At the B2 level, learners explore the nuances of 'oyogimasu' in various registers and metaphorical contexts. You will understand the difference between the transitive-like use of 'wo' (swimming a distance/path) and the locative 'de.' You will also learn the causative form 'oyogaseru' (to make/let someone swim) and the passive form 'oyogaryeru' (to be swum - though rare, it appears in specific grammatical constructions). This level requires understanding the verb in formal written Japanese, such as in sports journalism or academic papers on marine biology. You should be able to discuss the physical mechanics of swimming and its health benefits using a wider range of technical vocabulary.

At the C1 level, 'oyogimasu' is understood in its full linguistic depth, including idiomatic expressions and literary uses. You will recognize the verb in classical or poetic contexts where it might describe the movement of celestial bodies or the flow of time. You will be comfortable with various levels of formality, from very polite 'oyogi ni narimasu' to rougher slang. This level involves understanding subtle connotations—for example, how 'oyogu' can imply 'to struggle' or 'to navigate' through a difficult social situation (yo-watari wo oyogu). You can engage in complex debates about swimming techniques, the history of swimming in Japan (suijutsu), or the environmental impact of swimming in natural habitats.

At the C2 level, a learner has a native-like grasp of 'oyogimasu.' This includes an effortless understanding of all possible conjugations, including archaic forms found in historical texts. You can appreciate the word's role in Japanese literature, from the 'Manyoshu' to modern novels. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other verbs of movement. At this level, you can use the verb with perfect precision in any context, whether it is a scientific discussion about fluid dynamics, a legal debate about water rights, or a highly nuanced social commentary. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a flexible tool for sophisticated expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

泳ぎます in 30 Seconds

Oyogimasu means 'to swim' in a polite context.
It is a Class 1 verb derived from the root 'oyogu'.
Use the particle 'de' for the place where you swim.
It applies to both humans (sport) and animals (nature).

The Japanese verb 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) is a foundational action word that translates directly to the English verb 'to swim.' In the context of the Japanese language, it specifically describes the physical act of moving through water by using one's limbs or fins. This is a Class 1 (or Godan) verb, meaning its conjugation follows a specific pattern where the final 'u' sound of the dictionary form oyogu changes to an 'i' sound before adding the polite suffix -masu. This word is essential for daily conversation, especially when discussing hobbies, sports, vacations, or the natural behavior of aquatic animals.

Physical Movement: This verb is primarily used to describe the intentional movement of a person or animal through water. It implies active propulsion, such as using the crawl, breaststroke, or butterfly stroke in a swimming pool.
Animal Behavior: When observing nature, you use this word to describe fish, dolphins, or whales. For instance, 'The fish is swimming' becomes 魚が泳いでいます (sakana ga oyoide imasu).
Social Contexts: In social settings, mentioning that you swim is a common way to talk about health and fitness. Japan has a strong culture of public pools and school swimming lessons, making this verb very frequent in educational and recreational discussions.

私は毎週土曜日に市民プールで泳ぎます。
(I swim at the municipal pool every Saturday.)

Beyond the literal sense, 泳ぎます can occasionally be used in metaphorical contexts, though this is more advanced. It might describe someone 'swimming' through a crowd or a fish 'swimming' through the air in a poetic sense. However, for a CEFR A2 learner, focusing on the literal physical act of swimming in pools, rivers, and oceans is the most practical approach. The word carries a sense of health, vitality, and summer relaxation in Japanese culture.

海で魚と一緒に泳ぎました。
(I swam with the fish in the sea.)

One important thing to note is the particle usage. Usually, you use the particle で (de) to indicate the location where the swimming happens (e.g., プールで). However, if you are swimming across a river or through a specific space, you might see the particle を (wo) used to emphasize the path or the medium being traversed. This nuance helps differentiate between 'swimming inside a pool' and 'swimming across the Pacific Ocean.'

Common Collocations: Pairing this verb with 'yoku' (often) or 'jouzu ni' (skillfully) creates natural sentences like 'Yoku oyogimasu' (I swim often) or 'Jouzu ni oyogimasu' (He swims well).

Using 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) correctly involves understanding Japanese verb conjugation and particle placement. As a Godan verb, it is quite flexible. In its polite form, it serves as the standard way to express the action in a formal or neutral social setting. To master its usage, you must look at how it interacts with time, ability, and location.

The Location Particle: で (de): When you want to say 'I swim in the pool,' you say プールで泳ぎます. The particle 'de' marks the pool as the arena of the action. This is the most common pattern for beginners to learn.
The Potential Form: 泳げます (oyogemasu): If you want to say 'I CAN swim,' the verb changes to 泳げます. This is a crucial distinction. 'Oyogimasu' means you do swim (or will swim), while 'oyogemasu' denotes the physical ability to do so.

子供の時、川でよく泳ぎました。
(When I was a child, I often swam in the river.)

When constructing sentences about swimming, time markers are frequently used. Words like 毎日 (mainichi - every day), 夏に (natsu ni - in summer), or 一時間 (ichijikan - for one hour) provide context. For example, 夏休みに海で泳ぎます (I will swim in the sea during summer vacation) is a quintessential Japanese learner's sentence that demonstrates clear intent and timing.

彼は２キロ泳ぐことができます。
(He can swim two kilometers.)

In negative sentences, 泳ぎません (oyogimasen) is used. 'I do not swim because the water is cold' would be 水が冷たいですから、泳ぎません. This is helpful for expressing preferences or declining invitations to the beach. Understanding the past tense 泳ぎました (oyogimashita) is also essential for recounting your weekend activities or vacation stories.

The Te-form: 泳いで (oyoide): The te-form is 泳いで. This is used for requests ('Oyoide kudasai' - Please swim) or to connect actions ('Oyoide, tsukaremashita' - I swam and got tired).

You will encounter 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) in a variety of real-life Japanese scenarios. From the bright atmosphere of a summer beach to the disciplined environment of an Olympic broadcast, this word is a staple of the Japanese vocabulary. Understanding the context helps you grasp the subtle shifts in tone and meaning.

「今日は海で泳ぎましょうか？」
("Shall we swim in the sea today?")

In **schools**, you will hear teachers saying 「速く泳いで！」 (Hayaku oyoide! - Swim faster!) during physical education classes. Swimming is a major part of the Japanese curriculum, and every elementary school student learns the basics. You'll hear the word in progress reports, where teachers discuss a student's ability to swim a certain distance. In **sports news**, announcers excitedly shout 「トップで泳いでいます！」 (Toppu de oyoide imasu! - They are swimming in the lead!) during the 100-meter freestyle or relay races.

In **aquariums**, guides use the word to describe the graceful movements of penguins or sharks. They might say, 「ペンギンが気持ちよさそうに泳いでいます」 (Penguin ga kimochiyosasou ni oyoide imasu - The penguins are swimming, looking comfortable). This usage is softer and more descriptive. You might also hear it in **weather forecasts** when the presenter discusses water temperatures and whether they are suitable for swimming.

Gyms and Fitness Centers: Staff at fitness clubs will use this word when explaining the rules of the lane: 'Koko de wa yukkuri oyogimasu' (Swim slowly here).

「昨日、プールで一時間泳ぎました。」
("Yesterday, I swam in the pool for an hour.")

Even though 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) is a basic verb, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into Japanese. These mistakes usually stem from direct translations from English or confusion with similar-sounding verbs. Being aware of these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing Location Particles: Many learners say プールに泳ぎます. While 'ni' can mean 'in,' for the action of swimming, you must use で (de). Use 'ni' only if you are going to the pool to swim (oyogi ni ikimasu).
Mistake 2: Mixing Up 'Swim' and 'Float': In English, we sometimes say 'the leaf is swimming in the water' poetically. In Japanese, you must use 浮いています (uite imasu - is floating). Using 泳いでいます for a non-living object sounds like the object is alive and kicking.

❌ 私は泳ぐを好きです。
✅ 私は泳ぐのが好きです。
(I like swimming. Note: You need the nominalizer 'no' to turn the verb into a noun.)

Another common error is the conjugation of the potential form. Because 泳ぐ is a Godan verb, the potential is 泳げる (oyogeru). Beginners often mistakenly try to use the Ichidan pattern and say 泳げられる (oyogerareru), which is incorrect and clunky. Stick to the simple 'e-dan' change: gu -> ge.

Finally, watch out for the 'te-form' spelling. Since the verb ends in 'gu,' the te-form ends in 'ide' (泳いで), not 'ite.' Saying 泳いて is a very common pronunciation mistake that can lead to confusion with 置いて (oite - to put).

While 泳ぎます (oyogimasu) is the general term for swimming, Japanese has several other words that describe specific types of water activities. Choosing the right word can make your descriptions more vivid and accurate.

潜ります (mogurimasu): This means 'to dive' or 'to go underwater.' If you are snorkeling or scuba diving, 潜ります is more appropriate than 泳ぎます. It implies being fully submerged.
浮きます (ukimasu): This means 'to float.' Use this when you are just drifting on the surface of the water without active movement, like on a pool noodle or a tube.
水泳 (suiei): This is the noun for 'swimming' as a sport or school subject. While you 'oyogimasu' (verb), you do 'suiei' (noun). For example: 'My hobby is suiei.'

比較：
1. プールで泳ぎます (I swim in the pool - active movement)
2. 海に潜ります (I dive into the sea - going under)
3. 水面に浮きます (I float on the water - staying still)

Another interesting alternative is 浸かります (tsukarimasu), which means 'to soak' or 'to be immersed.' You use this word for hot springs (onsen) or bathtubs. You definitely don't 'swim' (oyogimasu) in an onsen—that would be very rude! Instead, you 'soak' (tsukarimasu). Similarly, 水遊び (mizuasobi) refers to 'playing in the water,' which is what children do at the shore when they aren't necessarily swimming laps.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 泳 contains the 'water' radical (氵) on the left and 'eternal' (永) on the right, suggesting water flowing forever.

Pronunciation Guide

UK o.jo.ɡi.ma.su

US o.jo.ɡi.ma.su

Flat pitch accent in many contexts, but often drops slightly after the 'yo'.

Rhymes With

Isogimasu (hurry) Nugimasu (take off clothes) Tsuugimasu (connect) Kasegimasu (earn) Sosogimasu (pour) Tsumugimasu (spin) Kogimasu (row) Shinogimasu (endure)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gi' as 'ji'. It must be a hard 'g'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'masu'.
Confusing the 'yo' with 'yu'.
Making the 'o' too long like 'ooh'.
Misplacing the pitch accent on 'ma'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is relatively simple with a clear radical.

Writing 3/5

Requires balance between the water radical and the 'eternal' component.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize, but don't confuse with 'isogimasu' (hurry).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

水 (water) 海 (sea) 行きます (go) 好き (like) 私 (I)

Learn Next

潜る (dive) 走る (run) 遊びます (play) 暑い (hot) 夏 (summer)

Advanced

潮流 (current) 浮力 (buoyancy) 平泳ぎ (breaststroke) 塩素 (chlorine) 溺れる (drown)

Grammar to Know

Godan Verb Conjugation

Oyogu -> Oyogimasu (i-column change).

Potential Form

Oyogeru (can swim).

Te-form of 'gu' verbs

Oyoide (swimming/please swim).

Purpose of movement (ni iku)

Oyogi ni ikimasu (Go to swim).

Nominalizing with 'no'

Oyogu no ga suki (I like swimming).

Examples by Level

私はプールで泳ぎます。

I swim in the pool.

Uses 'de' for location.

海で泳ぎますか？

Do you swim in the sea?

Question form.

今日は泳ぎません。

I will not swim today.

Negative form.

魚が泳ぎます。

The fish swims.

Animal subject.

ここで泳ぎます。

I swim here.

Koko (here) as location.

友達と泳ぎます。

I swim with my friend.

To (with) particle.

毎日泳ぎます。

I swim every day.

Frequency adverb.

夏に泳ぎます。

I swim in summer.

Ni (time) particle.

昨日、海で泳ぎました。

I swam in the sea yesterday.

Past tense.

泳ぎに行きましょう。

Let's go swimming.

Stem + ni ikimashou.

泳ぐのが好きです。

I like swimming.

Nominalization with 'no'.

泳ぎたいですが、寒いです。

I want to swim, but it's cold.

Tai (want) form + ga (but).

ゆっくり泳ぎます。

I swim slowly.

Manner adverb.

上手におよぎますね。

You swim well, don't you?

Adverb + ne particle.

明日プールで泳ぎませんか？

Won't you swim in the pool tomorrow?

Negative question as invitation.

一時間泳ぎました。

I swam for one hour.

Duration counter.

私は５０メートル泳げます。

I can swim 50 meters.

Potential form 'oyogemasu'.

泳ぎながら、音楽を聞きます。

I listen to music while swimming.

Nagara (while) form.

泳いだ後で、シャワーを浴びます。

After swimming, I take a shower.

Ta-form + ato de.

泳ぐことは健康にいいです。

Swimming is good for your health.

Koto (nominalizer) + ni ii.

もっと速く泳げるようになりたいです。

I want to become able to swim faster.

Potential + you ni naru.

雨が降っても泳ぎます。

Even if it rains, I will swim.

Te-form + mo (even if).

泳いでいる人は私の兄です。

The person who is swimming is my brother.

Relative clause.

川を泳いで渡りました。

I swam across the river.

Wo (path) + wataru (cross).

彼はまるで魚のように泳ぎます。

He swims just like a fish.

Marude... no you ni.

泳げば泳ぐほど上手になります。

The more you swim, the better you get.

Ba... hodo (the more... the more).

コーチに一時間泳がされました。

I was made to swim for an hour by my coach.

Causative-passive form.

彼は泳ぐのが得意だと言っていました。

He was saying that he is good at swimming.

Indirect quote + tokui.

水泳大会で泳ぐことになりました。

It has been decided that I will swim in the competition.

Koto ni naru (external decision).

泳ぎすぎて、肩が痛いです。

I swam too much, so my shoulders hurt.

Sugi (excessive) form.

泳ぐ前に準備運動をしてください。

Please do warm-up exercises before swimming.

Mae ni (before).

波が高くて泳ぐのは危険です。

The waves are high, so swimming is dangerous.

Adjective-te form + kiken.

荒波の中を必死に泳ぎ抜いた。

I desperately swam through the rough waves to the end.

Nuku (to the end) auxiliary.

彼は世の中をうまく泳いでいる。

He is navigating the world skillfully (metaphorical).

Metaphorical use of 'oyogu'.

泳ぎの達人として知られている。

He is known as a master of swimming.

Noun form 'oyogi' + tatsujin.

選手たちは一斉に泳ぎ出した。

The athletes all started swimming at once.

Dasu (start) auxiliary.

泳ぎ疲れて、砂浜で眠ってしまった。

Exhausted from swimming, I fell asleep on the beach.

Tsukare (tired) compound.

彼は泳ぎ回る魚をじっと見つめた。

He stared fixedly at the fish swimming around.

Mawaru (around) auxiliary.

泳ぎのフォームを修正する必要がある。

It is necessary to correct the swimming form.

Technical noun use.

冷たい水の中を泳ぐのは容易ではない。

Swimming in cold water is not easy.

Formal 'youi de wa nai'.

万葉集にも、海を泳ぐ情景が詠まれている。

Scenes of swimming in the sea are also composed in the Manyoshu.

Historical/Literary context.

彼は人生という大海原を泳ぎ続けている。

He continues to swim through the vast ocean of life.

High-level metaphor.

泳ぎの極意を悟るには数十年かかるだろう。

It would likely take decades to realize the ultimate secrets of swimming.

Gokui (secrets/essence).

その泳ぎは、もはや芸術の域に達していた。

That swimming had already reached the level of art.

Artistic praise.

潮流を読み、最適なルートを泳ぎ切る。

Read the currents and swim through the optimal route to the end.

Kiru (complete) auxiliary.

泳ぎにおける浮力の活用は、流体力学に基づいている。

The utilization of buoyancy in swimming is based on fluid dynamics.

Academic/Scientific register.

古式泳法の伝統を後世に伝える。

Transmit the tradition of ancient swimming styles to future generations.

Cultural preservation.

彼は窮地に立たされ、必死で泳いでいるようだ。

Driven into a corner, he seems to be 'swimming' (struggling) desperately.

Psychological/Social metaphor.

Common Collocations

プールで泳ぐ

海で泳ぐ

速く泳ぐ

上手に泳ぐ

１キロ泳ぐ

魚のように泳ぐ

一緒に泳ぐ

裸で泳ぐ

川を泳ぐ

泳ぎに行く

Common Phrases

泳ぎが得意です

— To be good at swimming. Used to describe one's talent.

私は泳ぎが得意です。

泳ぎが苦手です

— To be bad at swimming. Used for poor swimmers.

泳ぎが苦手なので、浮き輪を使います。

泳ぎを習う

— To learn how to swim. Common for children.

スイミングスクールで泳ぎを習います。

泳ぎを教える

— To teach swimming. Used by instructors.

父が私に泳ぎを教えてくれました。

一気に泳ぐ

— To swim all at once without stopping.

２５メートルを一気に泳ぎます。

泳ぎ疲れる

— To be tired from swimming.

泳ぎ疲れてお腹が空きました。

泳ぎ回る

— To swim around, often used for fish or children.

金魚が鉢の中を泳ぎ回っています。

泳ぎ出す

— To start swimming.

合図とともに泳ぎ出した。

泳ぎ続ける

— To continue swimming.

彼は一時間泳ぎ続けました。

泳ぎ切る

— To swim to the end or complete a distance.

最後まで泳ぎ切りました。

Often Confused With

泳ぎます vs いそぎます (Isogimasu)

Means 'to hurry'. Sounds similar but the first syllable is 'i' instead of 'o'.

泳ぎます vs おきます (Okimasu)

Means 'to wake up' or 'to put'. Missing the 'yogi' part.

泳ぎます vs あそびます (Asobimasu)

Means 'to play'. Often happens in water, but is a different action.

Idioms & Expressions

"世の中を泳ぐ"

— To navigate through the world or society. Often implies doing so skillfully.

彼は世の中をうまく泳いでいる。

Metaphorical

"目が泳ぐ"

— Eyes 'swimming' - to have a restless, suspicious, or shifty gaze, often when lying.

嘘をつくとき、彼は目が泳ぎます。

Common

"向こう岸まで泳ぐ"

— To swim to the opposite shore; often used to mean reaching a goal.

目標の向こう岸まで泳ぎ切りましょう。

Inspirational

"濁流を泳ぐ"

— To swim through muddy/turbulent waters; metaphor for enduring hardship.

困難な時代の濁流を泳いでいく。

Literary

"大海を泳ぐ"

— To swim in the great ocean; metaphor for having a wide field of activity.

彼は世界という大海を泳いでいる。

Poetic

"一人で泳ぐ"

— To swim alone; metaphor for acting independently without support.

彼は組織を離れ、一人で泳ぎ始めた。

Neutral

"流れに逆らって泳ぐ"

— To swim against the current; to go against the trend or majority.

彼は常に流れに逆らって泳ぐ男だ。

Metaphorical

"空を泳ぐ"

— To swim in the sky; often used for koinobori (carp streamers) or clouds.

鯉のぼりが空を泳いでいます。

Descriptive

"金の中で泳ぐ"

— To swim in money; to be extremely wealthy.

彼は一生、金の中で泳いで暮らした。

Slang/Metaphor

"情報の海を泳ぐ"

— To swim through a sea of information.

現代人は情報の海を泳いでいる。

Modern Metaphor

Easily Confused

泳ぎます vs 浮く (uku)

Both involve water.

Uku is passive floating; oyogu is active movement.

葉が水に浮いています。

泳ぎます vs 潜る (moguru)

Both involve movement in water.

Moguru specifically means going under the surface or diving.

彼は深く潜りました。

泳ぎます vs 浸かる (tsukaru)

Both involve being in water.

Tsukaru means soaking (like in a bath), no swimming movement.

温泉に浸かります。

泳ぎます vs 流れる (nagareru)

Movement in water.

Nagareru means to flow (for the water itself or something carried by it).

川が流れています。

泳ぎます vs 漕ぐ (kogu)

Moving through water.

Kogu means to row a boat or pedal a bike.

ボートを漕ぎます。

Sentence Patterns

私は [Place] で泳ぎます。

私はプールで泳ぎます。

[Time] に泳ぎます。

朝に泳ぎます。

[Place] へ泳ぎに行きます。

海へ泳ぎに行きます。

泳ぐのが [Adjective] です。

泳ぐのが好きです。

[Distance] 泳げます。

１００メートル泳げます。

泳ぎながら [Verb]。

泳ぎながら考えます。

泳ぐことにしました。

毎日泳ぐことにしました。

泳ぎ抜く。

最後まで泳ぎ抜いた。

Word Family

Nouns

水泳 (swimming)

泳ぎ (swimming/stroke)

泳ぎ手 (swimmer)

Verbs

泳ぐ (dictionary form)

泳ぎ着く (to arrive by swimming)

泳ぎ越す (to swim past)

Adjectives

泳ぎやすい (easy to swim in)

泳ぎにくい (hard to swim in)

海 (sea)

プール (pool)

水着 (swimsuit)

ゴーグル (goggles)

魚 (fish)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in summer; moderately common year-round for fitness.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ni' for location: プールに泳ぎます → プールで泳ぎます
The particle 'de' is required for the location of an active verb like swimming.
Incorrect Te-form: 泳いて → 泳いで
Verbs ending in 'gu' take 'ide' in the te-form, not 'ite'.
Confusing with 'hurry': 早く急ぎます → 早く泳ぎます
Isogimasu (hurry) and Oyogimasu (swim) sound similar to beginners.
Missing nominalizer: 泳ぐが好きです → 泳ぐのが好きです
You must use 'no' or 'koto' to turn a verb into a noun before 'ga suki'.
Wrong potential form: 泳げられる → 泳げる
For Godan verbs, the potential is formed by changing 'u' to 'e'. No need for 'rareru'.

Tips

Stem Form Purpose

Use the stem 'oyogi' with 'ni ikimasu' to express going somewhere specifically to swim. This is a very common A2-level pattern.

Swimming Styles

To specify a style, add the style name before 'de': 'Kurooru de oyogimasu' (I swim using crawl).

School Context

In Japan, 'suiei' is a standard part of the P.E. curriculum. Most Japanese people will understand 'oyogimasu' in an educational context.

The 'Eternal Water' Kanji

Remember the kanji 泳 by seeing 'water' on the left and 'eternal' on the right. Swimming in water forever!

Don't 'Swim' in Onsens

Never use 'oyogimasu' for a hot spring or bathtub. Use 'tsukarimasu' (soak). Swimming in an onsen is a major faux pas.

The Silent 'U'

In standard Japanese, the final 'u' in 'oyogimasu' is almost silent. Pronounce it 'oyogimas' for a more natural sound.

Radical Practice

Practice the 'sanzui' (water) radical. It's used in many water-related kanji like sea (umi) and pond (ike).

Context Clues

If you hear 'umi' or 'puuru' followed by a verb ending in 'imasu', there is a high chance the verb is 'oyogimasu'.

Warning Signs

Look for signs saying 'Yuuei Kinshi' (游泳禁止), which means 'Swimming Prohibited.' It uses the same 'swim' kanji.

Video Games

In games like Pokémon or Zelda, the command to swim often uses the dictionary form 'oyogu'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'O'range 'YOG'a master 'I'n the 'MAS'ter 'U'nit (pool). O-YOG-I-MAS-U.

Visual Association

Visualize a person making an 'O' shape with their arms while doing the breaststroke.

Word Web

Water Summer Exercise Fish Pool Beach Goggles Breath

Challenge

Try to say 'Oyogimasu' every time you see a body of water today. If you see a puddle, say 'Oyogimasen'!

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'oyogu'. It has been part of the language for over a millennium, appearing in early texts like the Man'yoshu.

Original meaning: To move through water. It has remained remarkably consistent in meaning over centuries.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'oyogimasu' in a metaphorical sense about people, as '目が泳ぐ' implies lying or guilt.

In English, 'swim' can be used for inanimate objects (the noodles are swimming in soup), but in Japanese, this is less common and usually replaced by 'uiteru' (floating).

Kosuke Kitajima (Olympic swimmer) The movie 'Waterboys' Koinobori (Carp streamers)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Beach

海で泳ぎましょう。
波が高いですね。
水着を忘れました。
泳いでもいいですか？

At the Pool

何メートル泳ぎますか？
ゴーグルを貸してください。
ここは深いです。
水泳帽をかぶります。

Talking about Hobbies

趣味は泳ぐことです。
毎週土曜日に泳ぎます。
泳ぎは得意ですか？
子供の時から泳いでいます。

School Life

水泳の授業があります。
２５メートル泳げました！
今日は泳ぎたくないです。
先生、泳ぎ方を教えてください。

Nature Observation

魚がたくさん泳いでいます。
クジラが泳ぐのを見たいです。
川で泳ぐのは危ないです。
ペンギンが泳いでいますね。

Conversation Starters

"夏休みは海で泳ぎますか？ (Do you swim in the sea during summer vacation?)"

"どのくらい速く泳げますか？ (How fast can you swim?)"

"プールと海、どちらで泳ぐのが好きですか？ (Which do you prefer swimming in, the pool or the sea?)"

"子供の時、水泳を習いましたか？ (Did you learn swimming when you were a child?)"

"最近、いつ泳ぎましたか？ (When did you last swim?)"

Journal Prompts

今日はとても暑かったので、プールで一時間泳ぎました。気持ちよかったです。 (Today was very hot, so I swam in the pool for an hour. It felt good.)

私は泳ぐのがあまり得意ではありませんが、海に行くのは好きです。 (I am not very good at swimming, but I like going to the sea.)

将来、ハワイのきれいな海で魚と一緒に泳ぎたいです。 (In the future, I want to swim with fish in the beautiful sea of Hawaii.)

水泳は全身運動なので、健康のために毎週泳ぐようにしています。 (Since swimming is a full-body exercise, I try to swim every week for my health.)

子供の頃、川で泳いだ思い出について書いてください。 (Please write about your memories of swimming in a river as a child.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Oyogu is the verb 'to swim.' Suiei is the noun 'swimming' as a sport. You say 'I swim' (oyogimasu) but 'My hobby is swimming' (suiei).

Yes, but it changes the meaning. 'De' is for the location (in the pool). 'Wo' is for the path or area you traverse (swimming across the river).

It is primarily an intransitive verb because it describes an action of the subject that doesn't directly affect an object. However, it can take 'wo' for paths.

You use the negative potential form: 'Oyogemasen.' This is very common to say if you never learned how to swim.

The te-form is 'oyoide.' Because it ends in 'gu,' the 'te' becomes 'de' and the 'gu' becomes 'i.' Example: 'Oyoide kudasai' (Please swim).

No, for a boat you should use 'susumu' (advance) or 'hashiru' (run/sail). Oyogimasu is for living things.

Yes, it is written as 泳ぎます. The kanji 泳 means 'swim'.

It literally means 'eyes are swimming,' but it's an idiom for someone having shifty eyes because they are lying or nervous.

You say 'Oyogi ni ikimashou.' This uses the stem 'oyogi' plus the purpose particle 'ni'.

Only metaphorically or for specific things like 'koinobori' (carp streamers) that look like they are swimming in the wind.