Fitness in Different Languages
Discover 'Fitness' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
Fitness is a term that has become increasingly significant in our modern world, as more and more people prioritize their health and well-being. At its core, fitness refers to the condition of being physically fit and in good health, often achieved through regular exercise and a balanced diet. But fitness is more than just a personal goal – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has taken the world by storm.
From yoga studios in New York to CrossFit boxes in Sydney, fitness has become a global obsession, transcending borders and languages. And as our world becomes more interconnected, it’s no surprise that people are becoming curious about the translation of fitness in different languages.
For example, in Spanish, fitness is often translated as “fitness” or “aptitud física,” while in French, it’s “forme physique” or “fitness.” In Mandarin Chinese, the term is “体能” (tǐ néng), which literally means “physical ability.” And in Japanese, it’s “フィットネス” (fittonesu), a direct transliteration of the English word.
In this article, we’ll explore the translations of fitness in different languages, shedding light on the cultural nuances and historical contexts that shape our understanding of this important concept. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a fitness fanatic, or simply curious about the world around you, this article is sure to inspire and inform.
Fitness
Fitness in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | fiksheid | ||
| The Afrikaans word "fiksheid" comes from the Dutch word "fit" meaning "fit", "sound", or "healthy" | |||
| Amharic | የአካል ብቃት | ||
| The term "የአካል ብቃት" (fitness) in Amharic can also refer to the general concept of physical health and well-being, encapsulating not only physical fitness but also overall vitality and wellness. | |||
| Hausa | dacewa | ||
| The word "dacewa" in Hausa is derived from the Arabic word "daqwah" which means "calling to Islam" or "preaching". | |||
| Igbo | mma | ||
| The word "mma" in Igbo can also refer to "a type of dance" or "a spirit being." | |||
| Malagasy | fitness | ||
| The Malagasy word 'fitness' is derived from the English word 'fitness' and can also mean 'good health' or 'well-being'. | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | kulimbitsa thupi | ||
| The Nyanja word "kulimbitsa thupi" can also refer to the act of warming up the body before exercise. | |||
| Shona | kugwinya | ||
| The word "kugwinya" can also mean "to be well-rested" or "to be in good health" in Shona. | |||
| Somali | taam ahaansho | ||
| The Somali word "taam ahaansho" can also be used to describe a person who is physically able or capable. | |||
| Sesotho | boikoetliso | ||
| The word "boikoetliso" is derived from the verb "boikoetla", meaning to exercise or train. | |||
| Swahili | usawa | ||
| The word "usawa" in Swahili originates from the Arabic word "sawa", meaning "to be equal" or "to be level". | |||
| Xhosa | ukufaneleka | ||
| The word “ukufaneleka” can also refer to appropriateness, decency, or acceptability. | |||
| Yoruba | amọdaju | ||
| The word 'amọdaju' in Yoruba, meaning 'fitness', shares the same root with 'amọ́', which means 'knowledge' or 'understanding'. | |||
| Zulu | ukufaneleka | ||
| Uku'fana' means to resemble, and '-leka' is the applicative suffix, meaning 'to cause to...' | |||
| Bambara | farikoloɲɛnajɛ | ||
| Ewe | kamedede | ||
| Kinyarwanda | ubuzima bwiza | ||
| Lingala | kozala na nzoto kolɔngɔnɔ | ||
| Luganda | fitness | ||
| Sepedi | tšoaneleha | ||
| Twi (Akan) | fitness | ||
Fitness in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | اللياقه البدنيه | ||
| Hebrew | כושר | ||
| In Hebrew, "כושר" (kosher) has several meanings including "potential" and, in the Talmud "preparation." | |||
| Pashto | فټنس | ||
| The Pashto word “فټنس” also means “capability” or “ability”. | |||
| Arabic | اللياقه البدنيه | ||
Fitness in Western European Languages
| Albanian | palestër | ||
| The Albanian word "palestër" derives from the Greek "palaistra," referring to a place for wrestling and physical education. | |||
| Basque | sasoia | ||
| "Sasoia," the Basque word for "fitness," originally meant "preparedness for travel or hunting." | |||
| Catalan | aptitud | ||
| The Catalan word "aptitud" comes from the Latin word "aptitudo", which means "fitness, suitability, or capability." | |||
| Croatian | kondicija | ||
| Kondicija may also mean 'good order' or 'proper state' in relation to something, but the most common usage refers to a person's fitness. | |||
| Danish | fitness | ||
| "Fit" in Danish refers to health rather than physical fitness and "fitness" (fitnesse) is an archaic form of "fitness." | |||
| Dutch | fitness | ||
| In Dutch, "fitness" can also refer to the physical characteristics of a country or region, such as its climate, soil, and vegetation. | |||
| English | fitness | ||
| The word "fitness" is derived from the Old English word "fednesse," meaning "suitability" or "appropriateness." | |||
| French | aptitude | ||
| In French, "aptitude" can also mean "ability" or "skill". | |||
| Frisian | kondysjetrening | ||
| It translates to the equivalent of 'king's chair exercise' and originally described the exercises of Frisian sailors while out at sea during a calm. | |||
| Galician | fitness | ||
| In Galician, "fitness" also refers to "the state of being free from discomfort or disease". | |||
| German | fitness | ||
| Fitness can also refer to the general state of being physically and mentally healthy and well. | |||
| Icelandic | líkamsrækt | ||
| The Icelandic word "líkamsrækt" can also refer to "gymnastics". | |||
| Irish | folláine | ||
| Italian | fitness | ||
| In Italian, the word fitness not only means “fitness,” but also “ability,” “capacity,” or “suitability. | |||
| Luxembourgish | fitness | ||
| In Luxembourgish, "fitness" can also refer to the condition of an engine or the readiness of an army for combat. | |||
| Maltese | saħħa | ||
| The word 'saħħa' in Maltese is also used to express the concept of 'health', further extending its semantic field beyond physical fitness. | |||
| Norwegian | fitness | ||
| The Norwegian word "fitness" can also refer to suitability or appropriateness for a particular purpose or situation. | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | ginástica | ||
| The word "ginástica" comes from the Greek "gymnastikós", meaning "athletic" or "related to exercise". | |||
| Scots Gaelic | fallaineachd | ||
| The Scots Gaelic word 'fallaineachd' also denotes health (wellbeing), especially of body or health. | |||
| Spanish | aptitud | ||
| The Spanish word "aptitud" originates from the Latin word "aptitudo," which means "natural ability" or "inclination" | |||
| Swedish | kondition | ||
| In addition to meaning "fitness", "kondition" also means "condition" in the sense of a person's general state of health or a state of affairs. | |||
| Welsh | ffitrwydd | ||
| The term 'ffitrwydd' in Welsh also signifies agility, dexterity, or nimbleness rather than just physical condition. | |||
Fitness in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | фітнес | ||
| "Фітнес" у білоруській мові може також означати "відповідність", "придатність", або "виконаність". | |||
| Bosnian | fitnes | ||
| Fitnes može označavati i određenu vrstu testa ili provjere, primjerice fitnes test | |||
| Bulgarian | фитнес | ||
| The word "фитнес" is derived from the English word "fitness", which means the state of being physically fit and healthy. | |||
| Czech | zdatnost | ||
| The word "zdatnost" in Czech can also mean "ability" or "skill. | |||
| Estonian | sobivus | ||
| In Latin, "sobivus" means "capable" or "fit for a certain purpose". | |||
| Finnish | kunto | ||
| The word "kunto" originally meant "good condition" or "repair" in Finnish before coming to mean "fitness". | |||
| Hungarian | fitnesz | ||
| The word "fitnesz" derives from the English word "fitness" and has the same meaning. | |||
| Latvian | fitnesa | ||
| In Latvian, "fitnesa" also refers to the process of preparing for a physical activity or test. | |||
| Lithuanian | fitnesas | ||
| "Fitnesas" is a Lithuanian word that means "fitness", and derived from the English word "fitness." | |||
| Macedonian | фитнес | ||
| The word “фитнес” is an internationalism derived from English, where it is connected to the notion of being physically prepared or in good health. | |||
| Polish | zdatność | ||
| 'Zdatność' in Polish can also refer to a person's ability to adapt and function in different situations or environments. | |||
| Romanian | fitness | ||
| In Romanian, "fitness" can also refer to a physical exam or the process of fitting something. | |||
| Russian | фитнес | ||
| In Russian, "фитнес" (fitness) shares the same root as "физический" (physical). | |||
| Serbian | фитнес | ||
| The word "фитнес" in Serbian is derived from the English word "fitness" and also refers to the level of physical preparedness for military service. | |||
| Slovak | fitnes | ||
| V slovenčine je slovo "fitnes" prevzaté z angličtiny, no používa sa aj samostatne v pôvodnom význame "spôsobilosť". | |||
| Slovenian | fitnes | ||
| Fitnes can also refer to a person's suitability or qualification for a particular role or task. | |||
| Ukrainian | фітнес | ||
| The word "фітнес" in Ukrainian ultimately derives from the Latin word "facere", meaning "to make", and refers to the process of becoming or keeping oneself in good physical condition. | |||
Fitness in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | ফিটনেস | ||
| The Bengali word "фитнэс" comes from the English word "fitness". | |||
| Gujarati | તંદુરસ્તી | ||
| The Sanskrit word | |||
| Hindi | स्वास्थ्य | ||
| The Sanskrit word "स्वास्थ्य" ('svāsthya') can also refer to the "well-being" of an object or a state. | |||
| Kannada | ಫಿಟ್ನೆಸ್ | ||
| The term "ಫಿಟ್ನೆಸ್" (fitness) is derived from the Latin word "facere," meaning "to make" or "to do," and refers to the ability to perform physical tasks and activities without undue strain or exertion. | |||
| Malayalam | ശാരീരികക്ഷമത | ||
| The Malayalam word "ശാരീരികക്ഷമത" ("fitness") comes from the Sanskrit word "śārīrika" ("bodily") and the Latin word "firmitas" ("firmness"). | |||
| Marathi | तंदुरुस्ती | ||
| The word तंदुरुस्ती (tandurusti) in Marathi is derived from the Persian word تندرست (tandarust), which means 'health' or 'well-being'. | |||
| Nepali | फिटनेस | ||
| Derived from the Old French word 'faitisse', meaning 'suitability' or 'quality'. | |||
| Punjabi | ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤੀ | ||
| The Punjabi word "ਤੰਦਰੁਸਤੀ" is also related to the word "ਤੰਦ" meaning "string" or "thread", suggesting a connection between fitness and the interconnectedness of body and mind. | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | යෝග්යතාවය | ||
| Tamil | உடற்பயிற்சி | ||
| Telugu | ఫిట్నెస్ | ||
| The word "fitness" is derived from the Old French word "fitnesse," meaning "suitability" or "appropriateness." | |||
| Urdu | صحت | ||
| The word "صحت" in Urdu has multiple meanings, including "fitness" and "good health". | |||
Fitness in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 适合度 | ||
| In biology: the degree to which a phenotype promotes survival and reproduction; in engineering and other fields: how suitable something is for use. | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 適合度 | ||
| "適合度" (fitness) also means "adaptation" in the context of evolutionary biology. | |||
| Japanese | フィットネス | ||
| The Japanese word "フィットネス" (fittonesu) was borrowed from English and first appeared in Japanese dictionaries in 1959. | |||
| Korean | 적합 | ||
| "적합" derives from the Chinese character "適", meaning "suitable" or "appropriate". | |||
| Mongolian | фитнесс | ||
| 'Фитнесс' is the Mongolian transliteration of the English word 'fitness' and carries the same meaning in Mongolian. | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | ကြံ့ခိုင်ရေး | ||
Fitness in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | kebugaran | ||
| "Kebugaran" in Indonesian, derived from the word "bugur" (healthy, vigorous), also refers to personal wellbeing and mental alertness. | |||
| Javanese | fitness | ||
| In Javanese, "fitnes" has an alternate meaning of "strong" or "fit" for a task or job. | |||
| Khmer | សម្បទា | ||
| The word "សម្បទា" (fitness) in Khmer also means "wealth" or "assets". | |||
| Lao | ຄວາມແຂງແຮງ | ||
| Malay | kecergasan | ||
| The Malay word "kecergasan" is derived from the Sanskrit word "charcha", meaning "to move" or "to exercise". | |||
| Thai | ฟิตเนส | ||
| ฟิตเนส is derived from the English word 'fitness,' which refers not only to physical fitness but also to general well-being and health. | |||
| Vietnamese | sự khỏe khoắn | ||
| The word "fitness" originates from the Old English word "fitt", meaning "suitable" or "appropriate." | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | fitness | ||
Fitness in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | fitness | ||
| The word "fitness" is translated as "uyğunluq" in Azerbaijani, and also means "suitability" or "appropriateness" in English. | |||
| Kazakh | фитнес | ||
| In Kazakh, the word "фитнес" can also refer to the physical and mental well-being of a person, encompassing their overall health and vitality. | |||
| Kyrgyz | фитнес | ||
| "Fitness" in Kyrgyz can also refer to physical health, well-being, or a general state of being in good shape. | |||
| Tajik | фитнес | ||
| Слово «фитнес» пришло в таджикский язык из английского языка, где оно означает состояние физического и душевного здоровья. | |||
| Turkmen | fitnes | ||
| Uzbek | fitness | ||
| The word also refers to the body's ability to perform specific physical tasks, such as running or lifting weights. | |||
| Uyghur | بەدەن چېنىقتۇرۇش | ||
Fitness in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | hoʻoikaika kino | ||
| The Hawaiian word "hoʻoikaika kino" literally means "to make the body strong". | |||
| Maori | whakapakari tinana | ||
| Samoan | malosi | ||
| "Malosi" is derived from the Proto-Samoan word "*malosi", meaning "strength" or "good health". | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | fitness | ||
| The word "fitness" in Tagalog (Filipino) is derived from the Spanish word "fin", which means "end" or "purpose". Therefore, it can also refer to "purpose" or "mission" in Tagalog. | |||
Fitness in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | fitness ukax wali askiwa | ||
| Guarani | aptitud rehegua | ||
Fitness in International Languages
| Esperanto | taŭgeco | ||
| The word "taŭgeco" was created from the word "taŭga" (fit, apt, good for) which in turn derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*tewes" (to swell, fatten up). | |||
| Latin | idoneitatem | ||
| Idoneitatem, the Latin word for "fitness," originates from the verb "idoneare" (to consider someone suitable), derived from the root "ido" (fit, suitable). | |||
Fitness in Others Languages
| Greek | καταλληλότητα | ||
| "Καταλληλότητα" comes from "κατάλληλος," meaning "suitable," "appropriate," "capable," "qualified," "competent," or "eligible." | |||
| Hmong | kev nyab xeeb | ||
| The word "kev nyab xeeb" can also mean "strong" or "in good health" in Hmong. | |||
| Kurdish | bedenparêzî | ||
| In Kurdish, the word "bedenparêzî" is also used to refer to the field of physical therapy or physiotherapy. | |||
| Turkish | fitness | ||
| In Turkish, "fitness" also means "naturalness, suitability, or conformity". | |||
| Xhosa | ukufaneleka | ||
| The word “ukufaneleka” can also refer to appropriateness, decency, or acceptability. | |||
| Yiddish | טויגיקייט | ||
| The Yiddish word "טויגיקייט" (fitness) comes from the German word "Tüchtigkeit" (ability), which itself derives from the Old High German word "tugendi" (virtue). | |||
| Zulu | ukufaneleka | ||
| Uku'fana' means to resemble, and '-leka' is the applicative suffix, meaning 'to cause to...' | |||
| Assamese | ফিটনেছ | ||
| Aymara | fitness ukax wali askiwa | ||
| Bhojpuri | फिटनेस के बारे में बतावल गइल बा | ||
| Dhivehi | ފިޓްނަސް އެވެ | ||
| Dogri | फिटनेस | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | fitness | ||
| Guarani | aptitud rehegua | ||
| Ilocano | fitness | ||
| Krio | fitnɛs we pɔsin kin gɛt | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | لەشجوانی | ||
| Maithili | फिटनेस | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯐꯤꯠꯅꯦꯁ ꯂꯩꯕꯥ꯫ | ||
| Mizo | fitness a ni | ||
| Oromo | fitness | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ଫିଟନେସ୍ | ||
| Quechua | fitness nisqa | ||
| Sanskrit | फिटनेस | ||
| Tatar | фитнес | ||
| Tigrinya | ብቕዓት | ||
| Tsonga | ku ringanela | ||