Translation guide
The Paralympics is a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to as パラリンピック, and there are several related terms for the event and its participants.
Referring to the Paralympic Games as a whole, or a specific edition of the Games.
The standard term for the Paralympic Games. Used in all contexts, from casual conversation to official documents.
東京パラリンピックは2021年に開催されました。
The Tokyo Paralympics were held in 2021.
パラリンピックのチケットを買いました。
I bought tickets for the Paralympics.
A more formal, full name for the Paralympic Games. Often used in official or written contexts.
パラリンピック競技大会は、障がい者スポーツの最高峰です。
The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of disability sports.
Referring to a person who competes in the Paralympics.
The most common term for a Paralympic athlete. Used in media and everyday speech.
彼女は有名なパラリンピアンです。
She is a famous Paralympian.
Literally 'Paralympic athlete'. A straightforward and widely understood term.
パラリンピック選手たちの活躍に感動した。
I was moved by the performances of the Paralympic athletes.
Referring to the specific sports or events contested at the Paralympics.
General term for Paralympic sports or events.
パラリンピック競技には車いすバスケットボールなどがあります。
Paralympic sports include wheelchair basketball and others.
Referring to the broader Paralympic movement, its values, or its spirit.
Refers to the Paralympic spirit or ideals, such as courage, determination, inspiration, and equality.
パラリンピック精神は世界中の人々に勇気を与えます。
The Paralympic spirit gives courage to people around the world.
In casual conversation, パラリンピック is sometimes shortened to パラ (Para), especially in compound words like パラスポーツ (para-sports). However, パラ alone can be ambiguous, so use the full term in formal contexts.
パラスポーツに興味があります。
I'm interested in para-sports.
The Olympics and Paralympics are distinct events. In Japanese, they are often mentioned together as オリンピック・パラリンピック (Olympics and Paralympics). Note that the Paralympics are not a subset of the Olympics.
東京オリンピック・パラリンピックが開催されました。
The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were held.