サッカー

• Reading: サッカー
• Romaji: sakkaa
• Pronunciation: /sak.kaː/

Meaning

Soccer; association football. The most popular ball sport among young people in Japan.

Borrowed from English 'soccer' rather than 'football.' Japan has a professional league (Jリーグ, J-League) established in 1993, and the national team regularly competes in the World Cup. Common expressions include サッカーをする (to play soccer) and サッカー選手 (soccer player).

Examples

1. 子どもの頃からサッカーをしています。 I've been playing soccer since I was a kid.
2. 日本のサッカーチームは強いです。 The Japanese soccer team is strong.
3. 日曜日に友達とサッカーをしました。 I played soccer with my friends on Sunday.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, hobbies, school

Tone: energetic

Origin & History

Borrowed from the English word 'soccer,' which itself derives from 'association football.' Adopted during the growth of the sport in Japan in the late 20th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young people, all ages

Social background: Universal