Translation guide
The sport or activity of propelling a boat using oars. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to refer to rowing as a sport is ボート競技 (boat racing/competition), while the action of rowing is 漕ぐ (kogu). There are also specific terms for traditional Japanese rowing styles.
Referring to the sport of rowing, such as in the Olympics or school clubs.
The standard term for the sport of rowing. Literally 'boat competition'. Used for competitive rowing events.
He started rowing in high school.
Loanword from English 'rowing'. Used in sports contexts, but less common than ボート競技.
Rowing is a full-body workout.
Formal or technical term for rowing as a sport. Often seen in competition names or official contexts.
All Japan Rowing Championships
Describing the physical act of moving a boat with oars.
General verb meaning 'to row' or 'to paddle'. Used for rowing boats, canoes, and even pedaling a bicycle.
I rowed a boat on the lake.
He rowed the oars slowly.
Phrase meaning 'to row a boat'. More specific than just 漕ぐ.
My hobby is rowing a boat on weekends.
Talking about rowing for leisure, not competition.
Casual term for going out in a rowboat for fun. Literally 'boat play'.
We went rowing on the pond in the park.
Referring to traditional Japanese boats or rowing styles.
In English, 'rowing' usually implies using oars that pivot on the boat, while 'paddling' (like canoeing) uses a paddle held freely. In Japanese, 漕ぐ covers both, but for clarity, パドリング (paddling) or カヌー (canoe) may be used for paddling sports.
He sculled the boat forward.