Translation guide
A sports match played for display or entertainment rather than for official competition or ranking.
A match played for display, entertainment, or practice, not part of an official tournament.
The most common and direct loanword for 'exhibition match'. Used across many sports.
来週、テニスのエキシビションマッチが開催されます。
A tennis exhibition match will be held next week.
Literally 'public match'. Often used for exhibition matches open to the public, emphasizing the public viewing aspect.
A non-competitive match played for practice or goodwill, often between teams.
Literally 'friendship match'. Common for international friendly matches or goodwill games.
日本とブラジルの親善試合が行われた。
A friendly match between Japan and Brazil was held.
A match performed to demonstrate techniques, often in martial arts contexts.
Used specifically in martial arts for a match that is part of a demonstration (演武).
空手の大会で演武試合が行われた。
A demonstration match was held at the karate tournament.
エキシビションマッチ is the broadest term for any exhibition match. 親善試合 emphasizes goodwill and is often used for international friendlies. 練習試合 is strictly a practice match, not necessarily for spectators.
エキシビションマッチでは、普段見られない組み合わせが実現する。
In exhibition matches, you can see matchups that don't normally happen.
親善試合は両国の友好を深めるために開かれた。
The friendly match was held to deepen the friendship between the two countries.
引退する選手のために公開試合が行われた。
A public exhibition match was held for the retiring player.
Literally 'model match'. Used in martial arts or sports where the match demonstrates proper technique, often as part of a seminar or event.
柔道の講習会で模範試合が披露された。
A demonstration match was performed at the judo workshop.
Literally 'practice match'. Used for scrimmages or practice games, often between teams preparing for a season.
明日、隣の高校と練習試合がある。
We have a practice match with the neighboring high school tomorrow.
We tried new tactics in the practice match.
We tried new tactics in the practice match.