What does 泳 mean in Japanese?
泳 means “swim” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 泳ぐ (to swim), 水泳 (swimming), and 平泳ぎ (breaststroke).
For learners, the key is to study 泳 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: エイ (ei)
Kun’yomi: およ-ぐ (oyo-gu)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 泳 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
泳 is not limited to one English translation. In 泳ぐ (およぐ), it means to swim; in 水泳 (すいえい), it points to swimming; and in 平泳ぎ (ひらおよぎ), it is used for breaststroke. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 泳ぐ（およぐ / oyogu） — to swim
- 水泳（すいえい / suiei） — swimming
- 平泳ぎ（ひらおよぎ / hiraoyogi） — breaststroke
- 泳者（えいしゃ / eisha） — swimmer
- 遊泳（ゆうえい / yūei） — swimming
- 遠泳（えんえい / enei） — long-distance swimming
Example Sentences
-
夏に海で泳ぎました。
なつにうみでおよぎました。 / Natsu ni umi de oyogimashita.
I swam in the sea in summer.
-
水泳の授業があります。
すいえいのじゅぎょうがあります。 / Suiei no jugyō ga arimasu.
We have a swimming class.
-
平泳ぎを練習しました。
ひらおよぎをれんしゅうしました。 / Hiraoyogi o renshū shimashita.
I practiced the breaststroke.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 泳ぐ (およぐ / oyogu) because it keeps the core meaning of 泳 clear. Then add 水泳 and 平泳ぎ to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 泳 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
泳 means “swim” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 泳ぐ, 水泳, and 平泳ぎ.