Translation guide
A track event where runners jump over barriers called hurdles. In Japanese, the sport is referred to with specific terms depending on distance and context.
Referring to the sport of hurdle racing in general, or a specific hurdle race event.
Standard term for a hurdle race, used in formal contexts like athletics competitions.
He won the gold medal in the hurdle race.
Commonly used as a shorthand for the hurdle race event, especially in conversation.
I'm running in the hurdles tomorrow.
Literally 'obstacle race', this can refer to hurdle races but is more often used for steeplechase or other obstacle events. Less common for track hurdles.
The obstacle race also has a water jump.
Referring to hurdle races of specific lengths, such as 110m hurdles or 400m hurdles.
Attach the distance in meters before ハードル. For example, 110メートルハードル (110m hurdles).
She is a 100-meter hurdles athlete.
A more formal or written variant, using 障害 (obstacle) instead of ハードル. Often seen in official event names.
A world record was set in the 400-meter hurdles.
Using 'hurdle race' metaphorically to describe a series of obstacles or challenges.
The word ハードル is commonly used in Japanese to mean 'obstacle' or 'challenge', similar to English. Phrases like ハードルが高い (the hurdle is high) are natural.
This project has high hurdles (is very challenging).
ハードル競走 specifically refers to track hurdle events. 障害競走 can mean hurdle race but is broader, often including steeplechase or horse racing obstacles. For clarity, use ハードル競走 or simply ハードル for track hurdles.
Hurdle races are held on the track.