Translation guide
The English word 'javelin' refers to a light spear thrown in sport or historically in warfare. In Japanese, the sport implement is most commonly called やり (spear), while the athletic event is やり投げ. There is also a loanword ジャベリン, but it is less common.
The light spear used in the track and field event of javelin throw.
The most common and natural word for a javelin in sports contexts. It literally means 'spear', but is the standard term in athletics.
He bought a new javelin.
このやりは軽くて投げやすい。
This javelin is light and easy to throw.
A loanword from English, used especially in brand names or when emphasizing the sport-specific nature. Less common in everyday speech.
ジャベリン競技用のやり。
A javelin for javelin competition.
The track and field event of throwing a javelin for distance.
The standard term for the javelin throw event. Literally 'spear throwing'.
彼はやり投げで金メダルを取った。
He won the gold medal in the javelin throw.
やり投げの選手は肩が強い。
Javelin throwers have strong shoulders.
An English loanword phrase sometimes used in sports commentary or branding. Not common in daily conversation.
ジャベリンスローの大会が開かれた。
A javelin throw competition was held.
A light spear used as a weapon in ancient or medieval warfare.
Literally 'throwing spear', this is the precise term for a javelin as a weapon. Used in historical contexts.
古代ローマの兵士は投げ槍を使った。
Ancient Roman soldiers used javelins.
The general word for 'spear' can also refer to a javelin in historical contexts, though it is broader.
彼らはやりを投げて敵を攻撃した。
They threw javelins to attack the enemy.
The loanword can occasionally appear in fantasy or gaming contexts for a javelin weapon, but is not standard.
For the sport implement, やり is the everyday word. 投げ槍 is specifically a throwing weapon in historical contexts. ジャベリン is a loanword that sounds technical or brand-oriented; it's not wrong but can feel unnatural in casual conversation.
体育の授業でやりを投げた。
I threw a javelin in PE class.
博物館に古代の投げ槍が展示されている。
Ancient javelins are displayed in the museum.
While やり is the standard term for the sport implement, it also means 'spear' in general. In historical or fantasy settings, clarify with 投げ槍 if you specifically mean a throwing spear. In sports, やり is perfectly clear from context.
彼女はやりを60メートル投げた。
She threw the javelin 60 meters.
やり投げは午後2時に始まります。
The javelin event starts at 2 PM.
ゲームの中でジャベリンを装備した。
I equipped a javelin in the game.