スクラム
sukuramu[sɨkɯ̟ɾa̠mɯ̟]
The English word "scrum" is translated into Japanese as スクラム (sukuramu).
This term is most commonly used in the context of rugby to describe the physical formation of players.
Meaning: a tightly packed and disorderly crowd of people (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a loanword from English, written in katakana to represent the phonetic sounds of scrum.
How do you pronounce it?
sukuramu
Did you know?
- In Japan, スクラム is often used metaphorically to describe people joining hands and linking arms to show unity during a disaster or crisis. This extends the meaning beyond rugby to represent social solidarity and mutual support.
- In Japanese business settings, the word スクラム is frequently used to describe 'Agile' development methodologies rather than physical sports.
- While the English word 'scrum' can describe a chaotic or disorderly crowd, the Japanese スクラム almost always implies a sense of harmony and shared purpose.
Examples in context
- スクラムはアジャイル開発の一部です。Scrum is a part of agile development.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are at a crowded event.
- 陽太 Yota見て、すごいスクラムができているよ。Mite, sugoi sukuramu ga dekite iru yo.Look, there is a huge crowd forming.
- 結衣 Yuiあの中に入って進むのは無理そうね。Ano naka ni haitte susumu no wa muri sou ne.It looks impossible to push through that crowd.
- 陽太 Yota別の道から回っていこうか。Betsu no michi kara mawatte ikou ka.Shall we go around via another path?
- 結衣 Yuiそうしましょう。危ないしね。Sou shimashou. Abunai shi ne.Let's do that. It's dangerous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scrum” translations and entries スクラム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
