Meaning
to exercise; to work out; to play sports; to be physically active
Nuance & Usage
運動する means to exercise or engage in physical activity. It is broader than any specific sport: 運動する can refer to jogging, gym workouts, playing sports, or any physical exercise. The noun 運動 also means movement or exercise: 運動不足 (undou busoku — lack of exercise), 有酸素運動 (yusanso undou — aerobic exercise), 運動会 (undoukai — school sports day). For a specific sport, more specific verbs are often used: 走る (hashiru — to run), 泳ぐ (oyogu — to swim).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 運動する (physical exercise) with 動く (ugoku — to move/function). 運動する is intentional physical exercise for health; 動く is simply physical movement. Also: 運動しすぎる (overexercise) vs 運動不足 (not exercising enough — a very common expression). In medical contexts, doctors often advise 適度な運動 (moderate exercise) as part of 健康管理 (health management).
Example Sentences
健康のために毎日三十分は運動するようにしています。
けんこうのためにまいにちさんじゅっぷんはうんどうするようにしています。
I make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day for my health.
最近、全然運動していないので体が重いです。
さいきん、ぜんぜんうんどうしていないのでからだがおもいです。
My body feels heavy because I haven't exercised at all recently.
どんな運動が好きですか？
どんなうんどうがすきですか？
What kind of exercise do you like?
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