Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'boat race' depends on the type of boat and the context. The most common general term is ボートレース, but traditional Japanese boat racing is called 競艇. For rowing races, use ボート競技 or レガッタ.
Referring to a race involving motorized boats, often as a sport or gambling event.
The most common and general term for any boat race, especially motorboat racing. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
週末にボートレースを見に行った。
I went to see a boat race on the weekend.
Specifically refers to Japanese professional motorboat racing, which is a public gambling sport. Use this when talking about the official sport in Japan.
競艇は日本で人気のある公営競技です。
Kyōtei is a popular public sport in Japan.
Referring to a race where boats are propelled by oars, such as in the Olympics or university competitions.
General term for rowing as a sport. Literally 'boat competition', it covers all types of rowing races.
彼は大学でボート競技をしている。
He does rowing at university.
Loanword from 'regatta', used for organized rowing or sailing races, often with a festive atmosphere.
毎年、この川でレガッタが開催される。
A regatta is held on this river every year.
A more technical term for rowing, often used in official contexts or compound words like 漕艇競技 (rowing competition).
Referring to traditional Japanese boat races, often part of festivals, using long narrow boats.
A traditional dragon boat race held in some regions of Japan, especially Nagasaki. The term comes from Chinese.
長崎のペーロン祭りは有名です。
The Nagasaki Peron Festival is famous.
A general term for boat racing, often used in traditional or local contexts. Can be part of festival names.
Referring to a race involving sailboats or yachts.
The standard term for a yacht or sailboat race.
彼はヨットレースで優勝した。
He won the yacht race.
Refers to sailing as a competitive sport, often used in Olympic contexts.
セーリング競技は風の影響を受けやすい。
Sailing races are easily affected by the wind.
ボートレース is the general term for any boat race, while 競艇 specifically refers to the professional motorboat racing sport in Japan, which involves gambling. Use 競艇 only when talking about that specific sport.
競艇場でボートレースを見た。
I watched a boat race at the kyōtei stadium.
The literal translation '船のレース' (fune no rēsu) is not commonly used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the specific terms above.
Rowing is a traditional event in the Olympics.
A boat race tournament is held in this region every year.