ストレッチ
sutoretchi[sɨ̥to̞ɾe̞t̚t͡ɕi]
The English word 'stretch' can be translated into Japanese as ストレッチ (sutoretchi).
The term ストレッチ is a loanword from English used specifically to describe physical exercise or warming up the body by extending the limbs or muscles.
Meaning: to extend one’s limbs or body, for example in order to improve the elasticity the muscles (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ストレッチ is common, the loanword ストレッチング (sutoretchingū) is also frequently used to refer to the act of stretching. For general physical extension or elongation of an object or limb, you would use the native verbs 伸ばす or 延ばす instead of the English-derived loanword.
How do you pronounce it?
sutoretchi
Did you know?
- While ストレッチ refers to exercise, the word 伸び (nobi) is used to describe the 'stretch' of melted cheese or gooey mochi in food photography.
- If you are 'stretching' your ability or potential, Japanese speakers use the verb 伸ばす (nobasu) to describe 'developing' or 'cultivating' that talent.
- Japanese uses different kanji for 'extending' depending on the context: 伸ばす for physical length and 延ばす for extending a deadline or time.
Examples in context
- 怪我を防ぐために、運動前にはストレッチをしています。I stretch before exercising to prevent injury.This sentence shows how to use ストレッチ in the context of preventing injury during exercise.Tatoeba #2950740 by tommy_san, translation #681786 by Source_VOA
- 運動をする前ちゃんとストレッチをしたほうがいい。You should stretch properly before exercising.This sentence uses ストレッチ to provide advice on exercising properly.Tatoeba #745789 by Minorojo, translation #745790 by Minorojo
- 足を伸ばしてください。Please stretch your legs.
- この紐を伸ばしてください。Please stretch this string.
- バンドを延ばしてください。Please stretch the band.
- 運動の前にストレッチをしてください。Please stretch before exercising.
- 毎朝ストレッチをすることで体をほぐします。Stretching every morning helps loosen the body.
- 寝る前にストレッチをすると気持ちいいです。Neru mae ni sutoretchi o suru to kimochi ii desu.It feels good to stretch before going to bed.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are relaxing in the living room after work.
- 蓮 Ren体が硬いから、毎日ストレッチをしよう。Karada ga katai kara, mainichi sutoretchi o shiyou.My body is stiff, so let's stretch every day.
- 結衣 Yuiいい考えだね。私も一緒にやるよ。Ii kangae dane. Watashi mo issho ni yaru yo.That's a good idea. I'll do it with you.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは、いつも体が柔らかいね。Yui-san wa, itsumo karada ga yawarakai ne.Yui, your body is always so flexible.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さん、それはちょっと褒めすぎだよ。Ren-san, sore wa chotto homesugi dayo.Ren, you are overpraising me a little too much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ストレッチ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
