(たいそう)

たいそう
noun
gymnastics, exercise
1. gymnastics
Athletic exercises involving physical agility, coordination, and strength, often performed on apparatus.
体操(たいそう)選手(せんしゅ)になりたい。
I want to become a gymnast.
日本(にほん)体操(たいそう)国際(こくさい)大会(たいかい)何度(なんど)(きん)メダルを()っている。
Japan has won gold medals many times in international gymnastics competitions.
器械(きかい)体操(たいそう)(ちから)だけでなく、柔軟(じゅうなん)さも必要(ひつよう)だ。
Apparatus gymnastics requires not only strength but also flexibility.
2. physical exercise, calisthenics
Routine physical exercises done for fitness and health.
毎朝(まいあさ)ラジオ体操(たいそう)をする。
I do radio exercises every morning.
Radio calisthenics is a popular tradition in Japan
準備(じゅんび)体操(たいそう)をしてから運動(うんどう)する。
I do warm-up exercises before working out.
会社(かいしゃ)では毎朝(まいあさ)体操(たいそう)時間(じかん)があり、社員(しゃいん)みんなで(からだ)(うご)かす。
At the company, there is exercise time every morning, and all employees move their bodies together.

体操(たいそう) covers both competitive gymnastics and general physical exercises.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 体操(たいそう)をする: to do exercises/gymnastics
  • ラジオ体操(たいそう): radio calisthenics
  • 器械(きかい)体操(たいそう): apparatus gymnastics
  • 準備(じゅんび)体操(たいそう): warm-up exercises
  • 新体操(しんたいそう): rhythmic gymnastics

CULTURAL NOTE:
ラジオ体操(たいそう) (radio calisthenics) is broadcast on NHK every morning and is a beloved Japanese tradition, especially during summer vacation for children.

[Register: Neutral]