Translation guide
The English phrase "work out" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: exercising, solving or calculating, being successful, and developing or planning. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
To engage in physical exercise, especially at a gym or as a routine.
General term for exercising or doing physical activity. Safe for most contexts.
毎日運動しています。
I work out every day.
Often used for strength training or gym workouts. Slightly more specific than 運動する.
ジムでトレーニングしている。
I'm working out at the gym.
Short for 筋力トレーニング (strength training). Casual, used mainly for weightlifting or bodyweight exercises.
最近、筋トレしてるんだ。
I've been working out lately.
To find an answer or solution, especially for a math problem or puzzle.
Used for solving problems, equations, puzzles. Transitive verb.
この問題を解けますか？
Can you work out this problem?
Specifically for calculating numbers or amounts.
合計を計算してください。
Please work out the total.
Literally 'to produce an answer'. Natural for finding a solution after effort.
やっと答えを出した。
I finally worked out the answer.
To have a good result; to happen in a satisfactory way.
Most common way to say things go well or work out favorably.
すべてがうまくいった。
Everything worked out.
Used when plans, discussions, or situations come together nicely.
話し合いがうまくまとまった。
The discussion worked out well.
For problems or conflicts that get resolved.
問題は解決した。
The problem worked out.
To devise, formulate, or figure out a plan, idea, or system.
To come up with an idea or plan after thinking.
新しい計画を考え出した。
We worked out a new plan.
To refine or polish a plan or idea. Often used in business contexts.
企画を練っている。
We're working out the project plan.
To work out the details. More formal, used in meetings or negotiations.
契約の詳細を詰めましょう。
Let's work out the details of the contract.
The English phrasal verb 'work out' has no single Japanese equivalent. Always choose the translation based on the intended meaning: exercise, solve, succeed, or plan.
「ワークアウトする」は和製英語で、運動の意味でのみ使われる。
'Work out' as a loanword (ワークアウト) is only used for exercise, not for solving problems or other meanings.