Translation guide
The English word "racing" refers to competitions of speed. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is レース, a loanword from English. However, depending on the context—such as car racing, horse racing, or foot races—different terms are used. This guide covers the main ways to express "racing" naturally in Japanese.
To refer to a race or racing event in general, especially modern or organized competitions.
The most common and versatile word for 'race' or 'racing'. Used for car races, boat races, bicycle races, and many other types of competitions. It is a loanword from English and is widely understood.
明日、カーレースを見に行きます。
I'm going to watch a car race tomorrow.
彼はレースに勝った。
He won the race.
A native Japanese word meaning 'race' or 'running race'. Often used in compound words like 競走馬 (racehorse) or 競走車 (racing car). It can sound slightly formal or technical.
競走馬が速く走っている。
The racehorses are running fast.
Means 'competition' or 'sporting event'. It is broader than just racing, but can be used in contexts like 'racing sport' (競技としてのレース). Not a direct translation for 'racing' alone.
モータースポーツは危険な競技だ。
Motor sports are dangerous competitions.
Specifically referring to racing involving cars or motor vehicles.
Directly means 'car race'. Very common and natural.
カーレースは迫力がある。
Car racing is thrilling.
A more formal term for 'automobile racing'. Used in official contexts.
自動車レースの歴史は長い。
The history of automobile racing is long.
Specifically referring to horse racing.
The standard word for horse racing. Used for both the sport and the betting activity.
週末に競馬場に行った。
I went to the racetrack on the weekend.
競馬で大金を失った。
I lost a lot of money on horse racing.
A direct loanword from English. Less common than 競馬, but may be used in some contexts like international events.
ホースレースはイギリスで人気がある。
Horse racing is popular in England.
Specifically referring to bicycle racing.
The most common term for a bicycle race.
ツール・ド・フランスは有名な自転車レースだ。
The Tour de France is a famous bicycle race.
Also means 'cycle race'. Slightly more casual or modern feel.
サイクルレースに出場する。
I will participate in a cycle race.
Refers specifically to keirin, a form of track cycling that originated in Japan and is now an Olympic sport. Also used for the gambling sport.
Specifically referring to boat or watercraft racing.
General term for boat racing. Also the name of a popular public gambling sport in Japan (kyōtei).
ボートレースは水の上で行われる。
Boat races are held on the water.
The official term for the Japanese motorboat racing sport, often associated with gambling. Commonly called ボートレース in casual speech.
Specifically a yacht race or sailing race.
Specifically referring to a race on foot, such as a sprint or marathon.
Commonly used for foot races, especially in school sports days or casual contexts.
運動会で徒競走に出た。
I ran in the foot race at the sports day.
Refers to a marathon race. Often used for long-distance running events.
A direct loanword for 'running race'. Less common, but understandable.
ランニングレースに参加しませんか？
Would you like to join the running race?
To express the action of racing or competing in speed.
The most common way to say 'to race' or 'to have a race'. Uses the loanword レース with the verb する.
友達とカートでレースをした。
I raced go-karts with my friends.
A more formal verb meaning 'to race' or 'to run a race'. Often used in written or official contexts.
選手たちはトラックを競走した。
The athletes raced on the track.
Means 'to compete' or 'to vie'. Can be used for racing in a broader sense of competing for speed, but not exclusively for racing.
The English word 'racing' is sometimes transcribed as レーシング, but this is not commonly used as a standalone noun for a race. It appears mainly in compound words like レーシングカー (racing car) or レーシングゲーム (racing game). For the event itself, use レース.
レース is a loanword and feels modern and casual. 競走 is a native Japanese word and can sound more formal or traditional. In many contexts, レース is preferred, but 競走 is still used in compounds like 競走馬 (racehorse).
レースを見るのが大好きです。
I love watching racing.
彼はカーレースに夢中です。
He is into car racing.
競馬は人気のあるスポーツです。
Horse racing is a popular sport.
Refers to motor sports in general, including car racing, motorcycle racing, etc. Often used when talking about the sport as a whole.
彼はモータースポーツに夢中だ。
He is crazy about motor sports.
競輪選手になるのは難しい。
Becoming a keirin racer is difficult.
競艇場でレースを観戦した。
I watched a race at the boat racing stadium.
Yacht racing depends on the wind.
彼はマラソンで優勝した。
He won the marathon.
They are competing in speed.