How to Say ‘Exercise; sports’ in Japanese
うんどう
un dou
[oon doh]
💬 Usage Tip: [うんどう] is general “exercise.” For a specific sport, name it + [が好きです] (e.g., [バスケが好きです]).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Sports/exercise topics are popular safe small talk in clubs, especially if the club is activity-based.
Phrase Breakdown
うん
un
[oon]
luck; fortune (as a word part)
In うんどう (運動), うん comes from 運. On its own, うん can mean 'luck,' but here it’s part of the word 'exercise/sports'.
うんどうは体にいいです。
Exercise is good for the body.
どう
dou
[doh]
movement; action (as a word part)
In うんどう (運動), どう comes from 動 ('movement'). Together, うん+どう forms 'exercise; physical activity'.
うんどうが好きです。
I like exercising.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager