練習
renshū[ɾẽ̞ɰ̃ɕɨː]
The Japanese word for practice is 練習 (renshū).
練習 is a common and straightforward term for the act of doing something repeatedly to improve a skill. While it covers general practice, you might encounter other terms depending on the context: 訓練 is often used for more structured training or drills and 鍛える refers to training or working out, typically in the context of physical activities.
Which one should you use?
While 練習 is a general term for practice, 稽古 is used specifically for the practice or training of traditional arts, such as martial arts, the tea ceremony or music.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use practice as a verb, you add the verb する to the noun to form 練習する (to practice). To emphasize the repetitive and cumulative nature of practicing to achieve mastery, you can use the phrase 練習を重ねる (to practice repeatedly or to pile up practice). Additionally, you can indicate that someone is currently in the middle of a practice session by using 練習中.
How do you pronounce it?
renshū
Did you know?
- The term 稽古 for traditional practice literally means 'studying the past'. It implies that mastery is achieved by repeating the exact movements of ancient masters.
- In Japanese sports culture, the phrase 練習を重ねる describes practice as 'stacking' or 'piling up' layers of effort, treating time like a physical material.
- In a Japanese dojo, you might hear the term 修練, which implies a much more rigorous, disciplined, and long-term practice than the standard 練習.
Examples in context
- 練習は熟達の道。Practice makes perfect.This sentence uses 練習 to express the idea that practice leads to perfection.Tatoeba #77422 by arnab, translation #266400 by CK
- 練習すれば上達するよ。You'll improve with practice.This sentence shows how practice leads to improvement using 練習.Tatoeba #10677474 by small_snow, translation #3821413 by CK
- ちょっと練習しなきゃ。I need a little practice.This sentence uses 練習 to express the need for a little practice.Tatoeba #11853679 by small_snow, translation #10740518 by ddnktr
- 日本語の練習をしていますか？Are you practicing Japanese?
- 英語の話し方を磨いているI am polishing my English speaking skills
- ピアノの練習をするTo practice the piano
- ギターの練習をしていますか？Are you practicing the guitar?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a music school, Ren and Himari talk about their instrument.
- 蓮 Renピアノの練習は大変ですか？Piano no renshū wa taihen desu ka?Is piano practice difficult?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、毎日練習しています。Hai, mainichi renshū shite imasu.Yes, I am practicing every day.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんはとても上手ですね。Himari-san wa totemo jōzu desu ne.Himari, you are very good.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。もっと頑張ります。Arigatō gozaimasu. Motto ganbarimasu.Thank you. I will try harder.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 練習, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
