体操
taisō[ta̠iso̞ː]
In Japanese, the word for gymnastics is 体操 (taisō). Wiktionary also lists 体育 (taiiku).
Meaning: a sport (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 体操 | taisō | [ta̠iso̞ː] (narrow) |
| 体育 | taiiku | [ta̠iikɯ̟] (narrow) [ta̠ikɯ̟] (narrow) |
体操 refers to the sport of gymnastics or performing physical exercises. It can also be used more broadly to describe calisthenics or rhythmic morning exercises often performed by groups. For more specialized terms, you might use 競技体操 or 体操競技 for competitive gymnastics, 新体操 or リズム・ジムナスティクス for rhythmic gymnastics and 空中ジムナスティクス for aerial gymnastics.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 体操 is composed of the characters 体 (body) and 操 (manipulate/operate), which literally translates to 'body exercise'.
Which one should you use?
While 体操 refers specifically to the sport of gymnastics or physical exercises, 体育 refers to physical education as a school subject.
How do you pronounce it?
taisō
Did you know?
- In Japanese schools, students perform ラジオ体操 (Radio Taisō), a set of synchronized calisthenics broadcast over the radio since the 1920s to improve national health.
- The character 操 in 体操 can also be found in the word 操縦 (sōjū), which means to pilot an aircraft or operate a machine.
- The term 体操 was part of a standardized set of vocabulary introduced during the Meiji Period to modernize the Japanese school system.
Examples in context
- 彼は体操が得意だ。He is good at gymnastics.This sentence is used to express someone's proficiency in the sport using the form 体操.Tatoeba #102530 by bunbuku, translation #295049 by CK
- トムは体操の先生だ。Tom is a gymnastics teacher.This sentence identifies someone's profession using the form 体操.Tatoeba #8021120 by Ninja, translation #8018129 by CK
- 体操の時間です！It's time for gymnastics!This sentence indicates the start of a specific activity using the form 体操.Tatoeba #2693913 by WestofEden, translation #9352973 by DJ_Saidez
- 体操は美しい演技と柔軟性を要求するスポーツです。Gymnastics is a sport that requires beautiful performances and flexibility.
- 競技体操が彼女の得意なスポーツです。Competitive gymnastics is her strong suit.
- 彼は子供の頃からジムナスティクスをやっていました。He has been doing gymnastics since he was a child.
- 彼女はリズム・ジムナスティクスの大ファンです。She is a big fan of rhythmic gymnastics.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are talking about their school clubs.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんは、何の部活に入っているの？Youta-kun wa, nan no bukatsu ni haitte iru no?Youta, what club are you in?
- 陽太 Yota僕は体操部に入っているよ。Boku wa taisou-bu ni haitte iru yo.I am in the gymnastics club.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいね！体操は難しいよね。Sugoi ne! Taisou wa muzukashii yo ne.That's amazing! Gymnastics is difficult, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、でもとても楽しいよ。Un, demo totemo tanoshii yo.Yeah, but it's a lot of fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gymnastics” translations and entries 体操, 体育, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 体操, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
