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試合
shiai
match or game
明日の試合は雨天中止になるかもしれません。
Tomorrow's match might be canceled due to rain.
general
A competitive event or contest, typically in sports or games where participants compete against each other.
彼はサッカーの試合でゴールを決めた。
He scored a goal in the soccer match.
ボクシングの試合は12ラウンドまで続いた。
The boxing match lasted 12 rounds.
Can refer to both formal and informal competitions, including sports, video games, or even academic debates.
formal
A formal or official contest, often with rules and referees.
国際的なテニスの試合が開催される。
An international tennis match will be held.
Often used in contexts where the event is organized and regulated.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'試合' is a versatile word that can be used for both formal and informal competitions. It's often used in sports contexts but can also apply to other types of contests.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
While '試合' is neutral, '対戦' (taisen) is more formal and often used in official contexts, such as news reports or formal announcements.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '試合する' (shiaishuru), meaning 'to compete' or 'to play a match'. The kanji '試合' combines '士' (samurai or person of skill) and '合' (to meet or gather), originally referring to a formal contest between skilled individuals.
Usage Notes
While '試合' is most commonly used for sports, it can also refer to any competitive event, including video game tournaments or even academic debates. In casual speech, '試合' is often shortened to '試合' (shiai).
Word Breakdown
士
samurai or person of skill
root合
to meet or gather
root和英辞典