龍拳
ryūken
The English phrase "dragon fist" is translated into Japanese as 龍拳 (ryūken).
龍拳 refers to a fictional martial arts attack or technique that involves a powerful punch.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 龍 (ryū), meaning 'dragon' and 拳 (ken), meaning 'fist' or 'punch'.
How do you pronounce it?
ryūken
Did you know?
- In Japanese mythology, the dragon is often seen as a water deity rather than a fire-breathing monster, which can change the 'elemental' feeling of a phrase like 龍拳 in a fantasy setting.
- The character 龍 is the traditional form of 'dragon', but in modern Japanese textbooks and newspapers, you will more often see the simplified version 竜. Using the traditional version often evokes a sense of antiquity, power or mysticism.
- In Japanese pop culture, terms like 龍拳 are often used as 'special moves' in video games, where the character might shout the name while performing the attack.
Examples in context
- 龍拳を繰り出す。Ryūken o kuridasu.He unleashes the dragon fist.
- 彼の龍拳はとても強力だ。Kare no ryūken wa totemo kyōryoku da.His dragon fist is very powerful.
- ついに龍拳が決まった！Tsuini ryūken ga kimatta!Finally, the dragon fist connected!
Example conversation
Two friends are watching an action anime on TV.
- 大翔 Hirotoあのキャラクターの龍拳はすごいね。Ano kyarakutā no ryūken wa sugoi ne.That character's dragon fist is amazing, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当に、迫力があるよ。Hontō ni, hakuryoku ga aru yo.Really, it has such impact.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣も、あの技が好き？Yui mo, ano waza ga suki?Do you like that technique too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、大好き！Un, daisuki!Yes, I love it!
