スパイク
supaiku[sɨpa̠ikɯ̟]
The Japanese word for spike is スパイク (supaiku).
The term スパイク is an informal loanword from English used to describe anything resembling a nail in shape. In the context of sports, specifically volleyball, it is used to refer to the act of spiking the ball.
Meaning: anything resembling such a nail in shape (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
supaiku
Did you know?
- In Japanese athletics, the word スパイク is used to refer to the shoes themselves, whereas in English it refers only to the metal protrusions on the sole.
- While スパイク refers to the action in volleyball, Japanese athletes often use the term アタック ('attack') to describe the same movement.
- If a Japanese person mentions スパイク in a fashion context, they are likely referring to 'spike' hair styling using heavy wax or gel.
Examples in context
- 彼女はバレーボールでスパイクを決めた。She scored a spike in volleyball.
- バレーボールでスパイクを決めた！I nailed the spike in volleyball!
- このスパイクはとても鋭いですね。Kono supaiku wa totemo surudoi desu ne.This spike is very sharp, isn't it?
- 地面にスパイクが刺さっています。Jimen ni supaiku ga sasatte imasu.A spike is stuck in the ground.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are preparing for a track and field event.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、スパイクを忘れてない？Ren, supaiku o wasuretenai?Ren, did you forget your spikes?
- 蓮 Renあ、本当だ！家に忘れた。A, hontō da! Ie ni wasureta.Oh, you're right! I left them at home.
- 結衣 Yui予備のスパイクを貸してあげるよ。Yobi no supaiku o kashite ageru yo.I'll lend you my spare spikes.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、結衣！助かるよ。Arigatō, Yui! Tasukaru yo.Thanks, Yui! That helps a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry スパイク, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
