Translation guide
The English word "race" has several distinct meanings: a competition of speed, a contest or rivalry, a category of people based on physical traits, and a rapid current of water. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Expressing a contest to see who is fastest, such as a running race, car race, or swimming race.
The most common and versatile word for a race, borrowed from English. Used for car races, boat races, running races, etc.
明日、車のレースがあります。
There is a car race tomorrow.
彼は100メートルレースで優勝した。
He won the 100-meter race.
A more formal or technical term for a race, especially in sports contexts like track and field or horse racing.
競走に参加する選手たち。
The athletes participating in the race.
Used as a noun modifier, often in compound terms like 'racing car' or 'racing game'. Not used alone to mean 'a race'.
レーシングカー
racing car
Expressing a competitive situation, such as an arms race, a political race, or a race against time.
General word for competition or rivalry. Can be used for abstract races like 'arms race' or 'race for the presidency'.
軍拡競争は危険だ。
The arms race is dangerous.
大統領選の競争が激しくなっている。
The race for the presidency is heating up.
A pattern meaning 'to compete for ~'. Used in phrases like 'race against time' (時間を争う).
救助隊は時間を争って活動した。
The rescue team worked against the clock (raced against time).
Also used metaphorically for competitive situations, like 'the race for the presidency' or 'the rat race'.
Referring to a category of people sharing certain physical or genetic traits, such as 'the human race' or 'race relations'.
The standard term for 'race' in the sense of ethnic or racial group. Used in contexts like 'race discrimination' (人種差別).
人種差別は許されない。
Racial discrimination is unacceptable.
人類は一つの人種です。
Humankind is one race.
Often translated as 'race' but closer to 'ethnic group' or 'people', emphasizing shared culture, language, and history rather than just physical traits.
Means 'human race' or 'mankind'. Used when referring to all humans collectively.
Referring to a fast-flowing stream or current, such as a mill race or tidal race.
General term for a rapid current or swift stream. Can be used for natural rapids or man-made channels.
その川は急流で有名だ。
That river is famous for its rapids.
Specifically refers to a swift current or rapids in a river. More literary or poetic than 急流.
Tidal current; used for a 'tidal race' in the sea.
競走 (きょうそう) is specifically a foot race or speed competition, while 競争 (きょうそう) is a general competition or rivalry. They are homophones but written with different kanji. Use 競走 for athletic races and 競争 for abstract contests.
人種 (じんしゅ) emphasizes biological/physical traits (race), while 民族 (みんぞく) emphasizes cultural/ethnic identity. In many contexts where English uses 'race', Japanese might prefer 民族 if cultural aspects are involved.
the presidential race
少数民族の権利
rights of ethnic minorities
人類の未来
the future of the human race
A boat going down the rapids.
この海峡は潮流が速い。
This strait has a fast tidal race.