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運動会 (うんどうかい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
noun
sports day ; athletic meet ; field day ; sports festival
Most often refers to a school event where students compete in races, relays, games, and group performances; it can also be used for similar community or workplace athletic events.
I ended up running in the relay at the sports day.
Similar words 体たい 育いく 祭さい Also a school sports festival; 体育祭 is especially common for junior high and high schools, while 運動会 is very common for elementary schools and kindergartens.
スポーツ 大たい 会かい A broader sports tournament or competition; it does not necessarily imply the school-style annual event atmosphere of 運動会.
Etymology A transparent compound of 運動, 'exercise; physical activity,' and 会, 'meeting; gathering,' meaning a gathering for athletic activities.