Translation guide
The English word 'activity' covers a wide range of meanings, from general busyness and events to specific tasks and hobbies. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what kind of activity you mean. This guide breaks it down by practical use.
Use this for school clubs, volunteer work, political movements, or any organized group activity.
The most common and versatile word for organized activities, especially those done in groups or with a purpose. Covers club activities, social movements, and general 'being active' in a structured way.
I have club activities after school.
Refers to scheduled events, ceremonies, or annual functions, often at schools or in communities. More about the event itself than the ongoing action.
Use this when describing a place that is bustling, or when there is a lot of movement and energy.
Means liveliness, energy, or bustle. Often used to describe a place or atmosphere full of activity.
Use this for a single activity, like a worksheet, a game, or a drill, especially in educational or training contexts.
Use this when 'activity' means moving your body for health or fun.
The standard word for physical exercise or sports activity.
Use this when talking about what you do for fun.
Means hobby or pastime. The most natural way to talk about leisure activities.
Use this in economic, business, or commercial contexts.
活動 (かつどう) is the general, serious word for organized activities, social movements, or being active. アクティビティ is a loanword used for fun, recreational, or educational activities, often in tourism or classroom settings. Use 活動 for club activities and volunteer work; use アクティビティ for games and resort activities.
I'm involved in environmental protection activities.
The classroom was a hive of activity.
I participate in volunteer activities.
We're going on a field trip for a school event.
The market is full of activity.
Refers to a bustling, lively scene, often with many people. Slightly more about the crowd and prosperity.
I like the activity of the festival.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used for recreational or educational activities, especially in travel, events, or classroom settings.
This activity is for children.
Means work, task, or operation. Often used for hands-on or manual activities, including classroom tasks.
Please do the activity in groups.
I do a little physical activity every day.
A more formal or medical term for physical activity. Often used in health contexts.
Physical activity is good for your health.
趣味は何ですか？
What activities do you like? (What are your hobbies?)
Means entertainment or amusement. Slightly more formal, often used for leisure activities in general.
There are many leisure activity facilities.
The standard term for economic activity.
Economic activity is brisk.
Specifically refers to business or sales activities.
We will strengthen our business activities.
リゾートではいろいろなアクティビティが楽しめます。
You can enjoy various activities at the resort.
English 'activity' is very broad. Using 活動 for everything can sound unnatural. For example, 'I like outdoor activities' is better as アウトドアが好きです or 外で遊ぶのが好きです, not 野外活動が好きです (which sounds like a formal outdoor education program). Match the word to the specific meaning.
I like outdoor activities.
We offer a range of outdoor activities.
Club activities are an important part of school life.