Translation guide
The English word 'tailgate' has two main meanings: the door at the back of a vehicle, and the social event of eating and drinking from the back of a vehicle, typically before a sports game. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to the hinged door at the back of a pickup truck, SUV, or station wagon.
The most direct loanword from English, commonly used for the back door of an SUV or truck.
Describing the activity of gathering around the open back of a vehicle to eat, drink, and socialize, often before a sports event or concert.
The direct loanword for the event. Widely understood among those familiar with American culture, but may need explanation for some.
In English, 'tailgating' can also mean driving too closely behind another vehicle. In Japanese, that is 煽り運転 (あおりうんてん) or simply 車間距離が近い (しゃかんきょりがちかい). Do not use テールゲート for that meaning.
That car is tailgating.
I opened the tailgate and loaded the luggage.
Literally 'back door', used for the rear door of a vehicle, especially hatchbacks or vans.
This car's tailgate opens sideways.
Another common term for the rear gate, often used in automotive contexts.
The tailgate strut broke.
Let's have a tailgate party before the game.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to eat and drink at the back of the car'. Natural when explaining the concept to someone unfamiliar with the term.
In America, there's a custom of eating and drinking at the back of the car before the game.
Literally 'parking lot party', this can be used to describe a tailgate event in a parking lot, but it's less specific and may not convey the vehicle-centric aspect.
We had a party in the stadium parking lot.