Translation guide
The English word 'slalom' refers to a zigzag course or movement, especially in skiing, snowboarding, and other sports. In Japanese, it is typically expressed using the loanword スラローム (surarōmu) or the more common 回転 (kaiten) in skiing contexts. This guide covers how to talk about slalom in sports and metaphorical zigzag movement.
Referring to the competitive skiing or snowboarding event where participants weave between gates.
The standard Japanese term for a slalom race in skiing. Often used in compounds like 大回転 (giant slalom) and 回転競技 (slalom event).
彼は回転で金メダルを取った。
He won the gold medal in the slalom.
The direct loanword from English. Commonly understood, especially in sports contexts, but 回転 is more traditional in skiing terminology.
スラロームの練習をしています。
I'm practicing slalom.
Referring to specific types of slalom races with wider turns or higher speeds.
Giant slalom. A standard term in alpine skiing.
大回転はスピードが速い。
Giant slalom is fast.
Referring to slalom events in sports other than skiing, such as canoe slalom or skateboard slalom.
The loanword is widely used for non-skiing slalom sports. For example, カヌースラローム (canoe slalom).
カヌースラロームはオリンピック競技です。
Canoe slalom is an Olympic sport.
Describing any movement that weaves left and right, like a slalom course, such as a car dodging obstacles or a person walking through a crowd.
Literally 'to proceed in a zigzag.' This is the most natural way to describe slalom-like movement outside of sports.
車がジグザグに進んでいた。
The car was weaving (like a slalom).
Literally 'to proceed as if sewing.' Conveys a smooth, weaving motion through obstacles, similar to slalom.
彼は人混みを縫うように進んだ。
He weaved through the crowd like a slalom.
Used in driving or cycling contexts to describe slalom-like maneuvering, such as in driving tests or cycling through cones.
スラローム走行の練習をした。
I practiced slalom driving.
In skiing, 回転 (kaiten) is the traditional and most common term for slalom. スラローム (surarōmu) is also understood but may sound slightly more like a loanword. For non-skiing sports, スラローム is standard. For metaphorical zigzag movement, use ジグザグ (zigzag) or 縫うように (nū yō ni).
Super giant slalom (Super-G).
スーパー大回転は技術と勇気が必要だ。
Super-G requires skill and courage.