The Meaning of keiba [競馬] In Japanese

競馬
けいば
Romaji: keiba N5

What does 競馬 mean?

Translation and Meaning

horse racing, horse race

Definition

What does 競馬 mean? It refers to horse racing as a sport and betting activity in Japan, where horses race on a track under organized circuits; it is a major form of entertainment and a significant sector in media, sports, and betting industries.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Nationwide sport and betting activity, including professional circuits and wagering markets.
  • Broader concept covering races, fans, venues, and industry terminology.

Etymology

keiba results from combining the on’yomi readings of 競 (kei) and 馬 (ba), yielding the pronunciation used today.

Composition

  • 競: to compete or strive; 馬: horse; together they literally encode a competition of horses, i.e., a horse-racing event.

Usage

Used in formal journalism and betting contexts, as well as casual conversation among fans; commonly appears in references to race meetings, racecourses, and the betting industry; standard in both official and media language without specialized jargon only.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine two horses racing as a referee shouts kei (kay) and the cheering riders call out baa as the horses run, linking keiba to competition and horses.

Variations

  • 中央競馬 (ちゅうおうけいば, chūō keiba) — national circuit.
  • 地方競馬 (ちほうけいば, chihō keiba) — local circuits.
  • 公営競馬 (こうえいけいば, kōei keiba) — government-run horse racing.

Example Phrases

  • 今日は 友達と 競馬 を 観戦してきた。
    Kyou wa tomodachi to keiba o kansen shite kita.
    Today I went with a friend to watch horse racing.
    Lista:
    • 今日は (Kyou wa) – today
    • 友達と (tomodachi to) – with a friend
    • 競馬 (keiba) – horse racing
    • を (o) – object marker
    • 観戦してきた (kansen shite kita) – went to watch
    「競馬」 is a noun meaning ‘horse racing’ and is the object of 「観戦する」; を marks the direct object.
競馬