Translation guide
The English word "exercise" covers physical activity, practice tasks, and formal use of power or rights. Japanese uses different words for each meaning.
Talking about working out, fitness, or physical training.
General term for physical exercise or sports. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (運動する).
毎日運動しています。
I exercise every day.
運動不足なので、ジムに通い始めました。
I wasn't getting enough exercise, so I started going to the gym.
Loanword from English, often used for specific workout routines or fitness programs. Sounds more modern or trendy.
このエクササイズは腹筋に効きます。
This exercise works your abs.
Refers to calisthenics, gymnastics, or structured physical exercises, often done in groups or as a warm-up (e.g., radio calisthenics).
ラジオ体操は日本の朝の風物詩です。
Radio calisthenics are a morning tradition in Japan.
Referring to schoolwork, textbook problems, or practice activities.
Specifically means practice problems or exercises in a textbook or workbook.
この練習問題を解いてください。
Please solve these exercises.
General term for practice or training. Can be used for language drills, sports practice, etc. Often used as a suru-verb.
Used for academic exercises, seminars, or practical training in university or professional settings.
Describing the act of using a legal right, voting, or exerting authority.
Means 'exercise' in the sense of using a right, power, or authority. Used in formal contexts.
投票権を行使する。
To exercise one's right to vote.
彼は拒否権を行使した。
He exercised his veto power.
Means to display or exercise one's ability, power, or influence. Often used for demonstrating leadership or skill.
Referring to drills, maneuvers, or simulations.
Used for military exercises, drills, or emergency response training.
自衛隊の演習が行われた。
A Self-Defense Force exercise was conducted.
General term for training or drill, including military, emergency, or skill training.
運動 (undō) only means physical exercise. For textbook exercises, use 練習問題 (renshū mondai) or 練習 (renshū).
練習 (renshū) is general practice, while 演習 (enshū) is more formal, often used for academic seminars or military drills.
発音の練習をしましょう。
Let's do some pronunciation exercises.
来週の演習の準備をしなければなりません。
I have to prepare for next week's exercise/seminar.
To exercise leadership.
避難訓練に参加する。
Participate in an evacuation exercise.