試合

shiai
nounBeginner
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.

Collocations

試合を観戦するto watch a match試合の結果match result試合前before the match

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

試合中phrase
during the match
試合後phrase
after the match
試合前phrase
before the match

💡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

samurai or person of skill
root
+
to meet or gather
root
和英辞典