Translation guide
The activity or sport of moving through water. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the noun 水泳 (suiei) or the verb 泳ぐ (oyogu). The choice depends on whether you are talking about swimming as an activity/sport or the action of swimming.
I like swimming.
Let's go swimming.
Referring to swimming in general, as a recreational activity, exercise, or competitive sport.
The standard noun for 'swimming' as an activity or sport. Used in contexts like 'I like swimming' or 'swimming club'.
I like swimming.
The noun form of the verb 泳ぐ (to swim). It can refer to a swim or one's swimming ability/style. Often used in phrases like 'go for a swim'.
Loanword from English, used in compound terms like 'swimming school' or 'swimming pool' (though プール is more common for pool). Not used as a general noun for the activity.
Describing the physical act of moving through water. Use the verb 泳ぐ.
The verb 'to swim'. Used for people, fish, and other creatures. Can be used in progressive form () to mean 'is swimming'.
Talking about going to a pool, beach, etc. to swim. Often expressed with 泳ぎに行く or 水泳に行く.
Referring to swimming lessons or swimming class in an educational setting.
Referring to swimming races or competitions.
水泳 (suiei) is the general noun for swimming as an activity or sport. 泳ぎ (oyogi) is the noun form of the verb 泳ぐ and often refers to a specific instance of swimming or one's swimming style. Use 水泳 for 'I like swimming' and 泳ぎ for 'go for a swim'.
Swimming is good exercise.
I joined the swimming club.
ひと泳ぎしに行こう。
Let's go for a swim.
He is good at swimming.
I go to a swimming school.
He is swimming in the pool.
Fish are swimming in the river.
Would you like to go swimming in the sea tomorrow?
Also means 'go swimming', but slightly more formal or focused on swimming as an exercise/sport.
I plan to go swimming this weekend.
Used for 'swimming class' or 'swimming lessons' in school. Often combined with 授業 (class).
We have swimming class today.
Specifically means 'competitive swimming'. Used for races and swimming events.
She is a competitive swimmer.
ちょっと泳ぎに行ってくる。
I'm going for a quick swim.