Translation guide
How to express the idea of practising or rehearsing a skill, activity, or performance in Japanese.
To repeatedly do something in order to get better at it, such as a sport, instrument, or language.
The most common and general verb for practising a skill. Used for sports, music, languages, etc.
毎日ピアノを練習しています。
I practise the piano every day.
I want to practise Japanese conversation.
Used for practising traditional arts like tea ceremony, martial arts, dance, or acting. Has a more formal, disciplined nuance.
毎週茶道の稽古をしています。
I practise tea ceremony every week.
Implies systematic training or drilling, often in a professional or military context. Not for casual practice.
消防士は救助の訓練をしています。
Firefighters are practising rescue operations.
To practise a play, speech, or musical piece in preparation for a public performance.
The standard term for a rehearsal. Often shortened to リハする in casual speech.
明日の公演のためにリハーサルをしています。
We are rehearsing for tomorrow's performance.
Specifically refers to a dress rehearsal or stage rehearsal for theatre or dance.
今日は初めての舞台稽古です。
Today is our first stage rehearsal.
To actively engage in a profession (e.g., law, medicine) or follow a religion.
Used for practising a profession like doctor or lawyer, meaning to run one's own practice.
彼は東京で弁護士を開業しています。
He practises law in Tokyo.
To practise a religion, meaning to have faith and observe its customs.
彼女は仏教を信仰しています。
She practises Buddhism.
To put into practice, often used for principles, methods, or teachings. Can be used for religion or philosophy.
彼はキリスト教の教えを実践しています。
He practises the teachings of Christianity.
To do something regularly as a habit or tradition.
Means 'to make a habit of'. Used for personal habits or cultural practices.
毎朝ジョギングを習慣にしています。
I practise jogging every morning.
A formal verb meaning 'to carry out' or 'to perform'. Used for customs, ceremonies, or rituals.
その村では古くからの祭りを行っています。
The village practises an ancient festival.
練習する is the general term for practice. 稽古する is specifically for traditional arts and implies learning from a master. Using 稽古する for sports or casual practice sounds unnatural.
サッカーの練習をする (○) / サッカーの稽古をする (×)
practise soccer (natural / unnatural)
For practising a profession like medicine or law, use 開業する or ～を職業とする. 練習する would mean 'training' rather than 'working as'.
医者を開業する (○) / 医者を練習する (×)
practise medicine (correct / incorrect)