ランニング
ranningu[ɾã̠ɲ̟ːĩŋɡɯ̟]
The English word "running" (as a sport) is ランニング (ranningu) in Japanese.
ランニング is a loanword written in katakana that specifically refers to the activity of running for exercise or sport. It is distinct from the general physical act of running, which is expressed by the Japanese word hashiru.
Meaning: sport (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ランニング refers to the sport or exercise, the informal phrase ダッシュする is used when you specifically mean running quickly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use ランニング as a verb meaning "to go running" or "to do running", you combine it with the verb suru (to do) to form ランニングをする.
How do you pronounce it?
ranningu
Did you know?
- In a school context, a 'running' drill to build endurance is called 持久走 ('jikyū sō'), which literally translates to 'persistence running'.
- Japanese runners often use the term マラソン ('marathon') to describe any long-distance run, even if the distance is far shorter than the official 42.195 kilometers.
- In many Japanese fitness contexts, the phrase ジョギング (jogingu) is preferred over ランニング to describe a relaxed, casual pace.
Examples in context
- ランニングしている彼を見た。I saw him running.This sentence shows how to use ランニング to describe someone in the middle of the activity.Tatoeba #1198122 by bunbuku, translation #283975 by CK
- 彼女は毎朝、ランニングをしに行きます。She goes running every morning.This sentence demonstrates how to express a routine of going running.Tatoeba #9528709 by small_snow, translation #1460118 by piksea
- このシューズはランニング向きじゃないよ。These shoes are not suitable for running.This sentence illustrates how to describe whether an item is suitable for the sport of ランニング.Tatoeba #10970671 by bunbuku, translation #59580 by CK
- 今日は公園で走りました。I ran in the park today.
- 公園でダッシュしたよ！I ran in the park really fast!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their fitness hobbies at a park.
- 陽太 Yota最近、ランニングを始めたんだ。Saikin, ranningu o hajimeta n da.I recently started running.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいね！健康に良さそう。Sugoi ne! Kenkou ni yosasou.That's great! It sounds good for your health.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、毎日のランニングが楽しいよ。Un, mainichi no ranningu ga tanoshii yo.Yeah, I enjoy my daily running.
- 美咲 Misaki私も今度やってみたいな。Watashi mo kondo yatte mitai na.I want to try it too sometime.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ランニング, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
