Translation guide
The English word 'marathon' is used in Japanese as a loanword, but its usage differs from English. It primarily refers to the long-distance running race, but can also be used metaphorically for prolonged activities. This guide explains how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the 42.195 km race or similar long-distance running events.
The standard loanword for the running race. Used for official marathons and casual running events.
I'm running the Tokyo Marathon next month.
He practices for the marathon every morning.
Specifically refers to a full marathon (42.195 km), distinguishing it from half marathons or other distances.
I completed a full marathon for the first time.
A more formal or technical term for long-distance running, not limited to the marathon distance. Used in sports contexts.
Endurance is important in long-distance running.
Describing an event or task that takes a very long time and requires endurance, like a 'movie marathon' or 'study marathon'.
Used metaphorically, similar to English. Common in compounds like '映画マラソン' (movie marathon).
I had a movie marathon over the weekend.
A general pattern meaning 'a long session of ~'. More natural than マラソン for some activities. Replace 〜 with the activity noun.
Means 'to do ~ non-stop' or 'straight through'. Conveys the intensity of a marathon session. Casual.
Referring to a difficult, prolonged effort or process, like a 'marathon, not a sprint'.
Literally 'like a marathon'. Used to describe a long, arduous process.
This project is like a marathon.
A native Japanese term meaning a long haul or long-drawn-out affair. Often used for events, meetings, or projects.
Literally 'endurance battle'. Used for prolonged competitions or struggles, like a war of attrition.
While マラソン can be used metaphorically, it's not as flexible as in English. For activities like 'shopping marathon' or 'cleaning marathon', Japanese speakers often prefer phrases like 長時間の買い物 or ぶっ通しで掃除. Using マラソン for everything can sound unnatural.
I'm tired from the shopping marathon.
マラソン is the common term for the race and metaphorical uses. 長距離走 is a technical sports term for long-distance running events in general, including track events like 5000m. Use マラソン unless you're specifically discussing track and field categories.
I did a study marathon before the exam.
I was exhausted from the marathon meeting yesterday.
I had a gaming marathon yesterday.
These negotiations are going to be a marathon.
この裁判は持久戦になるだろう。
This trial will be a marathon.