稽古
keiko
In Japanese, keiko refers to the practice or training of a traditional art.
稽古 is used specifically for the repetitive practice of traditional disciplines, such as martial arts, the tea ceremony or calligraphy, rather than general study or modern sports training.
Which one should you use?
While keiko refers to the traditional practice of a discipline, renshū is a more general term for practice or rehearsal used in many contexts, including modern sports and music.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to practice' or 'to do training' with this noun, you use the verb 'suru' (to do) as in 稽古をする (keiko o suru).
How do you pronounce it?
keiko
Did you know?
- The characters for keiko (稽古) literally translate to 'to investigate' and 'old', reflecting the idea that training involves studying the ways of the ancients.
- The concept of keiko is deeply tied to the idea of 'shugyō', which is the austere spiritual discipline of tempering one's soul through hard work.
- If you are an apprentice in a traditional art, your keiko might involve a significant amount of observing and imitation rather than active participation in the beginning.
Examples in context
- すみません、けいこさん。お元気ですか？Excuse me, Keiko-san. How are you?
- 毎朝、剣道の稽古をしています。Maiasa, kendo no keiko o shite imasu.I practice kendo every morning.
- 茶道の稽古はとても楽しいです。Sado no keiko wa totemo tanoshii desu.Tea ceremony practice is very fun.
- 今日の稽古は大変でした。Kyō no keiko wa taihen deshita.Today's practice was hard.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their schedules.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、稽古は何時までですか？Himari-san wa, keiko wa nan-ji made desu ka?Himari, until what time is your practice?
- 陽葵 Himariだいたい午後六時までです。Daitai gogo roku-ji made desu.It is usually until 6 p.m.
- 健太 Kenta毎日稽古があるのは大変ですね。Mainichi keiko ga aru no wa taihen desu ne.It must be hard to have practice every day.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、とても楽しいですよ。Demo, totemo tanoshii desu yo.But it is very fun.
