Translation guide
A race between teams where each member runs a segment and passes a baton.
Referring to a track-and-field relay event.
The most common and general term for a relay race, used in sports and everyday contexts.
明日、学校でリレーがあります。
There will be a relay race at school tomorrow.
A more formal term, often used in official sports contexts.
リレー競走の選手がバトンを渡しました。
The relay race runners passed the baton.
A literary or technical term for relay race, rarely used in daily conversation.
駅伝は長距離の継走です。
Ekiden is a long-distance relay race.
Referring specifically to the Japanese long-distance road relay race.
A uniquely Japanese long-distance relay race, often held on roads. Very popular in schools and nationally.
箱根駅伝は毎年お正月にあります。
The Hakone Ekiden takes place every New Year.
Using 'relay' metaphorically for passing tasks or information.
Also used metaphorically for passing something along, like a baton.
仕事をリレー方式で進めましょう。
Let's proceed with the work in a relay format.
Literally 'pass the baton', used metaphorically for handing over responsibility.
次の世代にバトンを渡す時が来た。
The time has come to pass the baton to the next generation.