術
jutsu
The Japanese word 術 (jutsu) translates to "jutsu" in English.
In modern Japanese, 術 is rarely used as a standalone word. Instead, it functions primarily as a suffix in compound words to indicate a specific art, technique or method, such as in the terms ninjutsu or taijutsu.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 術 literally means art, technique, skill or method.
How do you pronounce it?
jutsu
Did you know?
- In Japanese martial arts, there is a conceptual distinction between do (the way) and jutsu (the technique), where do focuses on spiritual growth and jutsu focuses on practical application.
- The character 術 can also be used to mean 'trick' or 'stratagem' when referring to a clever way of deceiving someone, moving beyond a simple technical skill.
- In the context of modern technology, the suffix 術 is used in the word 技術 (gijutsu) to denote 'technology', transforming the ancient concept of a 'hand-skill' into a foundation for the digital age.
Examples in context
- 影分身の術The Art of Shadow Clone
- 火遁の術Fire Release Technique
- これは古い魔術です。Kore wa furui majutsu desu.This is an old magic technique.
- 彼は忍術の達人だ。Kare wa ninjutsu no tatsujin da.He is a master of ninjutsu.
- その術はとても難しい。Sono jutsu wa totemo muzukashii.That technique is very difficult.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing a magic trick.
- 結衣 Yui今の手品、すごい術だったね！ima no tejimana, sugoi jutsu datta ne!That magic trick just now was an amazing technique!
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。練習して覚えたんだ。arigatou. renshuu shite oboeta nda.Thanks. I practiced to memorize it.
- 結衣 Yuiどうやってやるの？教えてよ。dou yatte yaru no? oshiete yo.How do you do it? Tell me.
- 健太 Kenta秘密だよ。術は教えないよ。himitsu dayo. jutsu wa oshienai yo.It's a secret. I won't teach you the technique.
