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).
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.
Referring to specific types of slalom races with wider turns or higher speeds.
Referring to slalom events in sports other than skiing, such as canoe slalom or skateboard slalom.
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.
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).
I'm practicing slalom.
Giant slalom. A standard term in alpine skiing.
Giant slalom is fast.
Super giant slalom (Super-G).
Super-G requires skill and courage.
The loanword is widely used for non-skiing slalom sports. For example, カヌースラローム (canoe slalom).
Canoe slalom is an Olympic sport.
The car was weaving (like a slalom).
Literally 'to proceed as if sewing.' Conveys a smooth, weaving motion through obstacles, similar to slalom.
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.
I practiced slalom driving.