Translation guide
The English word "routine" covers several distinct concepts: a fixed sequence of actions, a daily habit, a set performance, and the adjective meaning "ordinary." Japanese uses different words for each.
A set of actions you do regularly, often daily, like a morning routine or exercise routine.
Refers to a daily routine or task done every day. Very common for personal habits.
朝の日課はジョギングです。
My morning routine is jogging.
毎日の日課をこなす。
I go through my daily routine.
Loanword from English, often used for personal habits or sports/performance preparation. Casual and modern.
朝のルーティンを決めている。
I have a set morning routine.
Means 'habit' or 'custom.' Can be used for routines, but broader. Often implies something ingrained.
運動する習慣をつけたい。
I want to make exercise a routine.
A set order of steps, like a work routine, dance routine, or computer routine.
Refers to a procedure or sequence of steps. Common in work, technical, or instructional contexts.
作業の手順を確認する。
Check the work routine/procedure.
手順通りに進めてください。
Please follow the routine steps.
Loanword used in computing (routine) or sometimes in general contexts. More technical feel.
Means 'rule' or 'fixed way.' Can imply a routine that is established and followed.
A rehearsed set of movements or jokes, like a comedy routine or dance routine.
Refers to a performance or acting. Used for dance, gymnastics, or theatrical routines.
彼女のダンスの演技は素晴らしかった。
Her dance routine was wonderful.
Also used for performance routines, especially in sports or comedy. Common in Japanese media.
Refers to a program or item in a performance, like a specific routine in a show. More formal.
Describing something as routine, meaning regular, everyday, or mundane.
Means 'everyday' or 'routine' as an adjective. Common for describing mundane tasks.
それは日常的な作業だ。
That's a routine task.
Means 'usual' or 'the same as always.' Very natural in casual speech.
いつもの手順でやろう。
Let's do it the routine way.
Means 'regular' or 'routine' in formal contexts, like meetings or events.
While ルーチン is understood, 日課 is more natural for personal daily routines. ルーチン sounds like a loanword and may feel out of place in casual conversation about morning habits.
日課 implies a specific daily task or set of tasks, while 習慣 is a broader habit that may not be daily. Use 日課 for a concrete routine, 習慣 for a general habit.
生活のリズムを整えないと。
I need to get into a routine.
Often expressed as 'getting into a rhythm of life' rather than a direct translation.
このプログラムはメインルーチンを実行する。
This program executes the main routine.
As part of my routine, I drink coffee every morning.
お笑い芸人のルーティンを見る。
Watch a comedian's routine.
体操の演目を披露する。
Perform a gymnastics routine.
定例の会議を開く。
Hold a routine meeting.