Keirin basics
Keirin () started in Japan and is now an Olympic event. Up to nine riders follow a pacer for most of the race, then sprint for the line after the bell. This lesson covers the riders, the laps, the bell and the lines: riders who team up to work together. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
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25 keirin words
Each card shows a word, the form you'll use most and a sentence you'd hear at the velodrome or in front of the screen. Five reuse words and forms from Everyday Japanese 1 and 2.
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How a race unfolds
Every race follows the same shape, and the words for each stage are what you'll hear in commentary and in the stands.
| Word | What happens | You'll hear |
|---|
- Riders are . A race is (nine riders) or (seven). Ask in everyday chat.
- Lines decide races. Riders from the same region ride in a line. The front rider takes the wind so the ones behind can save their legs.
- The bell. Everyone says ジャン. The official word is . It rings with about a lap and a half to go.
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Four patterns to use today
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Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.