Translation guide
The English word "race" has several distinct meanings: a competition of speed, a contest or rivalry, a category of people based on physical traits, and a rapid current of water. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
race (ethnic group)
Expressing a contest to see who is fastest, such as a running race, car race, or swimming race.
The most common and versatile word for a race, borrowed from English. Used for car races, boat races, running races, etc.
There is a car race tomorrow.
A more formal or technical term for a race, especially in sports contexts like track and field or horse racing.
Used as a noun modifier, often in compound terms like 'racing car' or 'racing game'. Not used alone to mean 'a race'.
Expressing a competitive situation, such as an arms race, a political race, or a race against time.
Referring to a category of people sharing certain physical or genetic traits, such as 'the human race' or 'race relations'.
The standard term for 'race' in the sense of ethnic or racial group. Used in contexts like 'race discrimination' ().
Referring to a fast-flowing stream or current, such as a mill race or tidal race.
競走 (きょうそう) is specifically a foot race or speed competition, while 競争 (きょうそう) is a general competition or rivalry. They are homophones but written with different kanji. Use 競走 for athletic races and 競争 for abstract contests.
100-meter race
He won the 100-meter race.
競走に参加する選手たち。
The athletes participating in the race.
レーシングカー
racing car
General word for competition or rivalry. Can be used for abstract races like 'arms race' or 'race for the presidency'.
The arms race is dangerous.
The race for the presidency is heating up.
A pattern meaning 'to compete for ~'. Used in phrases like 'race against time' (時間を争う).
The rescue team worked against the clock (raced against time).
Also used metaphorically for competitive situations, like 'the race for the presidency' or 'the rat race'.
the presidential race
Racial discrimination is unacceptable.
Humankind is one race.
Often translated as 'race' but closer to 'ethnic group' or 'people', emphasizing shared culture, language, and history rather than just physical traits.
rights of ethnic minorities
Means 'human race' or 'mankind'. Used when referring to all humans collectively.
the future of the human race
General term for a rapid current or swift stream. Can be used for natural rapids or man-made channels.
That river is famous for its rapids.
Specifically refers to a swift current or rapids in a river. More literary or poetic than 急流.
A boat going down the rapids.
Tidal current; used for a 'tidal race' in the sea.
This strait has a fast tidal race.
価格競争
price competition
人種 (じんしゅ) emphasizes biological/physical traits (race), while 民族 (みんぞく) emphasizes cultural/ethnic identity. In many contexts where English uses 'race', Japanese might prefer 民族 if cultural aspects are involved.
racial diversity
ethnic costume