試合

• Reading: しあい
• Romaji: shiai
• Kanji breakdown: 試 (shi/tame) — try, test; 合 (gou/a) — match, meet
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.a.i/

Meaning

A match; a game; a competition. Refers to organized sporting or competitive events.

Functions as a noun and する verb. 試合する means 'to compete in a match.' Used for all kinds of competitive events: sports, martial arts, board games. Common compounds include 試合に出る (to enter a match) and 試合に勝つ/負ける (to win/lose a match).

Examples

1. 明日サッカーの試合があるので早く寝ます。 I have a soccer game tomorrow, so I'm going to bed early.
2. 友達と将棋の試合をしました。 I played a game of shogi with my friend.
3. あの試合はとても面白かった。 That game was really exciting.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competitions, school events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 試 (shi, try/test) and 合 (ai, meet/match). Literally 'testing against each other,' describing competitors measuring their abilities.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal