Japanese word

武道

Pronunciation

Romajibudō

Meaning

  • nounmartial arts

Example

武道を学ぶ人は、礼儀を重んじます。bu dō o mana bu hito wa rei gi o omo n ji ma su

People who study martial arts value etiquette.

Illustration for 武道 (martial arts)

More examples

子どもたちは武道を通して、集中力を身につけます。ko do mo ta chi wa bu dō o tō shi te shū chū ryoku o mi ni tsu ke ma su

Children develop concentration through martial arts.

Core concept

Describes a disciplined path in which physical martial training also develops conduct and character.

Common phrases

  • 武道を学ぶbu dō o mana bu

    study martial arts

  • 武道に励むbu dō ni hage mu

    devote oneself to martial arts

  • 武道の基本bu dō no ki hon

    the basics of martial arts

  • 武道を通してbu dō o tō shi te

    through martial arts

Similar words

武術bujutsu: A system of martial techniques developed for practical combat and physical training.
格闘技kakutōgi: A combat sport in which trained techniques are used under rules for competition.

Definition in Japanese

武術を修めながら心身を鍛え、人格を磨く道。bu jutsu o osa me na ga ra shin shin o kita e jin kaku o miga ku michi

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 武 (bu, "military") + 道 (dō, "way") forms 武道 (budō), literally "the way of military skills".

Usage tips

  • In English-language writing, 武道 (budō) is often kept as budo when the writer wants to stress a Japanese tradition of disciplined training rather than combat techniques alone.

Related words

  • 武道家budōkamartial artistnoun

Word lists with this word