スキューバ

すきゅーば
noun
scuba; scuba diving
1. scuba; scuba diving
Underwater diving using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). In Japanese, the word refers both to the equipment and the activity itself.
沖縄(おきなわ)でスキューバダイビングをした。
I went scuba diving in Okinawa.
スキューバの免許(めんきょ)()りたい。
I want to get a scuba license.
スキューバダイビングの体験(たいけん)コースに参加(さんか)して、(はじ)めて(うみ)(なか)(およ)いだ。
I joined a trial scuba diving course and swam underwater for the first time.

From English 'SCUBA' (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). In Japanese, almost always used in the compound スキューバダイビング (scuba diving). The shortened form スキューバ alone is understood but less common outside of compound forms.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • スキューバダイビング: scuba diving
  • スキューバの免許(めんきょ)/資格(しかく): scuba license/certification
  • スキューバの装備(そうび): scuba gear/equipment
  • 体験(たいけん)スキューバ: trial/introductory scuba

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ダイビング: diving — general term; in context, often means scuba diving
  • シュノーケリング: snorkeling — surface-level swimming with a mask and snorkel, no tank
  • 素潜(すもぐ)り: free diving — diving without breathing equipment
  • 潜水(せんすい): diving, submersion — more formal/technical term

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japan's subtropical islands, particularly 沖縄(おきなわ) and the 伊豆諸島(いずしょとう), are popular scuba diving destinations. PADI and other international certification programs operate throughout Japan. 体験(たいけん)ダイビング (trial diving) courses are widely available for tourists.