スポーツクラブ
supōtsukurabu[sɨpo̞ːt͡sɨkɯ̟ɾa̠bɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for "sports club" is スポーツクラブ (supōtsukurabu).
The term スポーツクラブ is most commonly used to refer to commercial fitness centers or gyms where a person pays a membership fee.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This term is a loanword from English, composed of スポーツ (sports) and クラブ (club).
Which one should you use?
While スポーツクラブ refers to a commercial gym, a school-based sports organization is more typically called a bukatsu (club activity).
How do you pronounce it?
supōtsukurabu
Did you know?
- Many commercial スポーツクラブ in Japan offer specialized facilities like onsen or saunas, blending the concept of a gym with a traditional relaxation spa.
- The word クラブ (kurabu) can also mean a 'nightclub', so the prefix スポーツ is essential to ensure you are not inviting someone to a place for dancing and drinking.
- While スポーツクラブ is for fitness, school clubs called bukatsu are often seen as a core part of a student's identity and can require practice every single day, including weekends and holidays.
Examples in context
- 田中さんは、大学のスポーツ部で野球をしています。Tanaka-san plays baseball in the university sports club.
- 私はスポーツクラブでテニスをしています。I play tennis at the sports club.
- 近くにスポーツクラブがあります。Chikaku ni supōtsu kurabu ga arimasu.There is a sports club nearby.
- 新しいスポーツクラブに入会しました。Atarashii supōtsu kurabu ni nyūkai shimashita.I joined a new sports club.
- 週末はスポーツクラブで泳ぎます。Shūmatsu wa supōtsu kurabu de oyogimasu.I swim at the sports club on weekends.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their hobbies.
- 美咲 Misaki最近、何か運動していますか？saikin, nanika undō shite imasu ka?Have you been exercising lately?
- 蓮 Renはい、スポーツクラブに入りました。hai, supōtsu kurabu ni hairimashita.Yes, I joined a sports club.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね！どこにあるんですか？ii desu ne! doko ni aru n desu ka?That's nice! Where is it located?
- 蓮 Ren駅の前にありますよ。eki no mae ni arimasu yo.It is in front of the station.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sports club” translations and entries スポーツクラブ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
