Translation guide
The Olympics are referred to as オリンピック in Japanese. This entry covers how to talk about the Olympic Games, including the event name, related terms, and common expressions.
Olympics
Referring to the Olympic Games as an event
The most common and natural way to refer to the Olympics in Japanese. Used for both the event and the concept.
Where will the next Olympics be held?
He won a gold medal at the Olympics.
Literally 'five rings', a common abbreviation for the Olympics, often used in news headlines and formal contexts.
The Tokyo Olympics were held in 2021.
The full official name 'Olympic Games'. Used in very formal or official documents.
The history of the Olympic Games is long.
Referring to a particular edition of the Olympics (e.g., Tokyo 2020)
Attach the city name directly before オリンピック. This is the most natural way.
Memories of the Tokyo Olympics
The Beijing Olympics were in 2008.
Used in news or formal writing. Same pattern as with オリンピック.
The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics
Referring to a person who participates in the Olympics
Referring to the Olympics in an abstract or philosophical sense
The Olympic spirit or ideals.
The Olympic spirit promotes peace.
五輪 is a native Japanese abbreviation (literally 'five rings') and is very common in newspapers and formal contexts. オリンピック is the katakana loanword and is used in everyday speech. Both are widely understood, but オリンピック is safer for learners in most situations.
Newspapers often write '五輪'.