弓矢
yumiya[jɯ̟mʲija̠]
The English phrase "bow and arrow" is translated into Japanese as 弓矢 (yumiya).
弓矢 refers to the weapon consisting of a flexible curved piece of wood and a shaft with a sharp point. While 弓矢 describes the set, you can also refer to the individual components using their specific names.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of two parts: 弓 (yumi), which means 'bow' and 矢 (ya), which means 'arrow'.
Which one should you use?
While 弓矢 is the combined phrase for the weapon, you can use the individual components to be more specific. Use 弓 to refer specifically to the bow itself and 矢 to refer specifically to the arrow.
How do you pronounce it?
yumiya
Did you know?
- The practice of Japanese archery, known as 弓道 (Kyudo), is treated as a meditative moving Zen practice rather than just a sport. The goal is often the spiritual perfection of the form rather than simply hitting the target.
- The traditional Japanese bow 弓 is asymmetrical, meaning the grip is not in the center but shifted toward one end. This design allows the archer to shoot from a shoulder-height position without the bow hitting the ground.
- Japanese has a specific term for the sound of a bow string snapping, 弦音 (tsurune), which is considered a musical element in traditional archery.
Examples in context
- トムは弓矢で魚を捕るのが好きだ。Tom likes to catch fish with a bow and arrow.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 弓矢 to describe catching fish with a bow and arrow.Tatoeba #8637343 by small_snow, translation #8637339 by Eccles17
- 博物館で古い弓矢を見た。Hakubutsukan de furui yumiya o mita.I saw old bows and arrows at the museum.
- 彼は弓矢の扱いがとても上手だ。Kare wa yumiya no atsukai ga totemo jouzu da.He is very skilled at handling a bow and arrow.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are at a traditional sports experience center.
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、弓矢をやってみたいです。Kenta-san, yumiya o yattemitai desu.Kenta, I want to try using a bow and arrow.
- 健太 Kentaいいですね。一緒にやりましょう。ii desu ne. issho ni yarimashou.That sounds great. Let's do it together.
- 結衣 Yuiやり方は簡単ですか？yarikata wa kantan desu ka?Is the way to do it simple?
- 健太 Kenta練習すれば大丈夫ですよ。renshuu sureba daijoubu desu yo.It'll be fine if you practice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 弓矢, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
