Learning how to say “work out” in Japanese can be useful if you’re planning to visit Japan or if you simply want to expand your language skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, along with some tips and examples to help you effectively communicate your intentions when it comes to exercising.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Work Out”
If you prefer to use formal language, especially in professional settings or when speaking with strangers, the most appropriate term for “work out” is “taiiku o suru.” Here’s a breakdown:
Taiiku o suru (たいいくをする) – This phrase literally translates to “do physical education.” Although it’s the most formal option, it may sound a bit stiff in certain contexts. It’s often used in more formal conversations, such as discussing athletic activities or when referring to physical education classes in schools.
For example, if you were asked about your hobbies during a job interview, you could say:
Shigoto no jikan ga nagaku arimasu kara, mainichi taiiku o suru to sugosu koto ga taisetsu desu. (仕事の時間が長くありますから、毎日体育をすると過ごすことが大切です。)
Translation: “Since I have long working hours, it is important for me to spend time doing physical education every day.”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Work Out”
When it comes to informal conversations among friends or acquaintances, you can use more casual terms for “work out.” Here are a few options:
Taiiku ni iku (たいいくにいく) – This phrase means “to go for exercise.” It is a common and natural way to express the idea of working out casually.
Benkyō suru (べんきょうする) – Although the term “benkyō suru” means “to study,” it can also be used informally to refer to physical exercise.
Undō suru (うんどうする) – This term simply means “to exercise” and is frequently used in informal contexts.
Here are some examples demonstrating the usage of these informal expressions:
Gakkō no ato ni taiiku ni iku koto ga yoku arimasu. (学校の後に体育に行くことがよくあります。)
Translation: “I often go for exercise after school.”
Mainichi benkyō suru tame ni undō shimasu. (毎日勉強するために運動します。)
Translation: “I exercise to study every day.”
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s worth noting that there may be some regional variations in certain locations. For instance, in some parts of Japan, people might use the term “kintore” ( きんとうれ) instead of “taiiku o suru” for formal situations, or “undō o suru” (うんどうをする) instead of “taiiku ni iku” for informal contexts.
Moreover, if you are specifically looking for workout-related terms to use at a gym or with a personal trainer, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some workout vocabulary in Japanese. Common gym-related words include:
- Muscles – Kin’niku (きんにく)
- Physical strength – Tairyoku (たいりょく)
- Aerobics – Erobikku (エアロビクス)
- Stretching – Sutoretchingu (ストレッチング)
- Cardio – Kādio (カーディオ)
- Weightlifting – Tairyō (たいりょう)
By incorporating these terms into your conversations, you can enhance your overall understanding and actively engage with fitness-related activities in Japan.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “work out” in Japanese. Remember, “taiiku o suru” is the most formal expression, while “taiiku ni iku,” “benkyō suru,” and “undō suru” are more casual alternatives. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing which phrase to use. Keep practicing and expanding your Japanese vocabulary, and soon you’ll be able to confidently discuss exercise and fitness in any situation!
