How to Say "Kendo" in Japanese

剣道

kendō[kẽ̞ndo̞ː]

kendo is the Japanese term for the Japanese martial art kendo.

剣道 refers specifically to the Japanese martial art that involves the use of bamboo swords and protective armor.

Meaning: Japanese martial art (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of 剣 (ken), meaning sword and 道 (dō), meaning way or path.

kendō

In kendo, a point is not scored simply by hitting the opponent, but by demonstrating ki-ken-tai-ichi, the synchronization of spirit, sword and body.
While 剣道 translates to 'way of the sword', the word for a real sword used in historical contexts is often 刀 (katana), a different character than the one used in 剣道.
While kendo is a sport today, its practice is deeply tied to bushidō, the historical code of the samurai.

剣道は武道です。
Kendo is a martial art.
This sentence is useful for defining what 剣道 is.
Tatoeba #8823775 by small_snow, translation #2795924 by CM
剣道は日本の武道です。
Kendo is a Japanese martial art.
This sentence is useful for specifying that 剣道 is a Japanese martial art.
Tatoeba #8823776 by small_snow, translation #2795926 by CM
剣道は竹刀と防具を使って行う日本の武道です。
Kendo is a Japanese martial art which uses bamboo swords and protective armour.
This sentence is useful for describing the equipment, such as bamboo swords and protective armour, used in 剣道.
Tatoeba #8823782 by small_snow, translation #6297791 by Hybrid
けんどう、やってみたことある？
Have you ever tried kendo?
いいえ、けんどうはやったことがありません。
No, I have never done kendo before.
7 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two students are talking about their after-school activities.

大翔 Hiroto

大翔くんは、何かスポーツをしていますか。
Hiroto-kun wa, nanika supōtsu o shite imasu ka.
Hiroto, are you playing any sports?
美咲 Misaki

はい、今は剣道を習っています。
Hai, ima wa kendō o naratte imasu.
Yes, I am learning kendo right now.
大翔 Hiroto

すごいですね！剣道はかっこいいです。
Sugoi desu ne! Kendō wa kakkoii desu.
That's amazing! Kendo is cool.
美咲 Misaki

ありがとうございます。美咲さんは何をしていますか。
Arigatō gozaimasu. Misaki-san wa nani o shite imasu ka.
Thank you. What about you, Misaki?

Sources

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