ラケット

• Reading: らけっと
• Romaji: raketto
• Pronunciation: /ɾa.ket.to/

Meaning

Racket; racquet. Sports equipment used to hit a ball or shuttlecock.

A loanword from English 'racket.' Used for the sports implement in tennis, badminton, table tennis, and squash. Common expressions: ラケットを振る (to swing a racket), ラケットを握る (to grip a racket), テニスラケット (tennis racket). An essential word for discussing racket sports, which are popular in Japanese schools.

Examples

1. 新しいテニスラケットを買った。 I bought a new tennis racket.
2. ラケットの握り方が大切だと教わった。 I was taught that how you grip the racket is important.
3. 部活でラケットを振る練習をした。 I practiced swinging the racket at club activities.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, school clubs, recreation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'racket,' which itself derives from French 'raquette,' ultimately from Arabic 'rāḥa' (palm of the hand). Entered Japanese with the introduction of Western sports during the Meiji period.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal