ビリヤード
biriyādo[bʲiɾʲija̠ːdo̞]
The English phrase "billiard" is translated into Japanese as ビリヤード (biriyādo).
ビリヤード refers to the game played on a cloth-covered table using a cue stick and balls.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is biriyādo.
Did you know?
- In Japan, the word ビリヤード is used for all versions of the game, including 'pool' and 'snooker', which are distinct sports in English.
- Unlike in many Western countries where billiard halls are associated with grit or gambling, many Japanese ビリヤード clubs are designed as clean, high-end social lounges.
- Japanese players often use the loanword ショット ('shot') to describe a hit, but the act of aiming is sometimes referred to using the word 狙い ('nerai'), which also means 'intention' or 'purpose'.
Examples in context
- 昨日、友達とビリヤードをしました。Yesterday, I played billiards with my friend.
- ビリヤードはとても楽しいです。biriyado wa totemo tanoshii desu.Billiards is a lot of fun.
- 週末にビリヤードをしませんか？shuumatsu ni biriyado o shimasen ka?Would you like to play billiards this weekend?
- 彼はビリヤードがとても上手です。kare wa biriyado ga totemo jouzu desu.He is very good at billiards.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are deciding what to do for fun.
- 蓮 Ren今日はビリヤードに行かない？kyou wa biriyaado ni ikanaiDo you want to go play billiards today?
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね！やりたいです。ii desu ne! yaritai desuThat sounds great! I want to play.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵はビリヤードができるの？himari wa biriyaado ga dekiru noCan you play billiards, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari少しだけできますよ。sukoshi dake dekimasu yoI can play a little bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ビリヤード, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
