ハイキング

• Reading: ハイキング
• Romaji: haikingu
• Pronunciation: /ha.i.ki.ŋɡɯ/

Meaning

Hiking; a hike. Walking in nature for recreation and exercise.

A katakana loanword from English 'hiking' that functions as a noun and suru verb (ハイキングする). In Japanese, ハイキング typically refers to lighter, more recreational walks in nature compared to the more demanding 登山 (mountain climbing). Popular activity especially in spring and autumn. Common expressions: ハイキングに行く (to go hiking), ハイキングコース (hiking trail).

Examples

1. 天気がいいので山にハイキングに行こう。 The weather is nice, so let's go hiking in the mountains.
2. 家族でハイキングコースを歩いた。 We walked a hiking trail as a family.
3. 週末のハイキングのために新しい靴を買った。 I bought new shoes for the weekend hike.

Usage Guide

Context: leisure, outdoors, sports

Tone: casual

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'hiking.' Became common in Japan during the postwar period as outdoor recreation grew in popularity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal