筋トレをする
kintore o suru
To work out in Japanese is 筋トレをする (kintore o suru).
筋トレをする is used specifically when referring to resistance or weight training. If you want to refer to general physical exercise or activity, you should use 運動をする (undō o suru) instead. For cardio specifically, the Japanese term is Kādio (カーディオ).
Meaning: to exercise (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
kintore o suru
Did you know?
- The word 筋トレ (kintore) is a contraction of 'kin' (muscle) and the English word 'training'. While English speakers use 'training' for many sports, Japanese specifically links this contraction to weightlifting and resistance exercises.
- The term 筋トレ女子 (kintore joshi) is a popular modern label for women who lift weights, reflecting a cultural shift in Japan where muscularity for women is becoming a trendy fitness goal.
- While 筋トレ (kintore) is the standard term for working out, the word for muscle 筋肉 (kinniku) is often used in Japanese comedy and anime as a shorthand trope for someone who is obsessively muscular or overly macho.
Examples in context
- 毎日、家で筋トレをする。Mainichi, ie de kintore o suru.I work out at home every day.
- 健康のために筋トレをする。Kenkou no tame ni kintore o suru.I work out for my health.
- 週末にジムで筋トレをする。Shuumatsu ni jimu de kintore o suru.I work out at the gym on weekends.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their fitness routines at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんは、最近筋トレをするの？Hiroto-san wa, saikin kintore o suru no?Hiroto, are you working out lately?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、週に三回は筋トレをするよ。Un, shuu ni sankai wa kintore o suru yo.Yeah, I work out three times a week.
- 美咲 Misakiすごいね！私も筋トレをするべきかな。Sugoi ne! Watashi mo kintore o suru beki kana.That's amazing! I wonder if I should work out too.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんも一緒にどう？Misaki-san mo issho ni dou?Why don't you join me, Misaki?
