運動

• Reading: うんどう
• Romaji: undou
• Kanji breakdown: 運 (un/hako) — carry, transport, luck; 動 (dou/ugo) — move, motion
• Pronunciation: /ɯŋ.doː/

Meaning

Exercise; physical activity; movement. Also refers to campaigns or social movements.

Functions as a noun or する verb. Most commonly used to mean physical exercise or sports activities. Also has a broader meaning of organised movements or campaigns (e.g., 環境運動 = environmental movement). 運動する means to exercise, and 運動会 (undoukai) is the famous Japanese school sports day.

Examples

1. 健康のために毎日運動しています。 I exercise every day for my health.
2. 運動した後はシャワーを浴びます。 I take a shower after working out.
3. 今年の運動会は来月行われる予定です。 This year's sports day is scheduled to be held next month.

Usage Guide

Context: health, sports, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 運 (un/hako) meaning carry or transport and 動 (dou/ugo) meaning move. Together they mean carrying oneself in motion — physical movement and activity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal