カンフー
kanfū
The English phrase kung fu is expressed in Japanese as カンフー (kanfū). Wiktionary also lists 功夫 (kanfū) and ゴンフー (gonfū).
Meaning: martial art (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| カンフー | kanfū | |
| 功夫 | kanfū | [kã̠ɰ̃ɸɯ̟ː] (narrow) [kɯ̟ɸɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| ゴンフー | gonfū |
The term refers to the martial art known as kung fu.
Which one should you use?
The katakana spelling カンフー is the standard way to write the term, while the kanji form 功夫 is used primarily in written contexts or when referring specifically to the Chinese origin of the term. The form ゴンフー is also a variation of the term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The katakana spelling カンフー is the most common way to write kung fu in modern Japanese. The kanji form 功夫 is used primarily in written contexts or when referring specifically to the Chinese origin of the term.
How do you pronounce it?
kanfū
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the characters 功夫 are read as kōfu when they are not referring to the Chinese martial art, changing the meaning to 'effort' or 'devotion'.
- The Japanese term カンフー entered widespread popular use largely due to the global 'kung fu craze' sparked by Bruce Lee films in the 1970s.
- While the Chinese term 功夫 can mean 'skill' or 'effort' in everyday life, the Japanese katakana version カンフー is strictly tied to the physical practice of combat arts.
Examples in context
- 彼はカンフーが得意です。Kare wa kanfū ga tokui desu.He is good at kung fu.
- 昔、カンフーを習っていました。Mukashi, kanfū o naratte imashita.I used to learn kung fu a long time ago.
- あの映画はカンフーのアクションが凄いです。Ano eiga wa kanfū no akushon ga sugoi desu.That movie has amazing kung fu action.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは何かスポーツをしていますか？Yui-san wa nanika supootsu o shite imasu ka?Yui, are you doing any sports?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、今はカンフーを習っています。hai, ima wa kanfuu o naratte imasu.Yes, I'm learning kung fu now.
- 陽太 Yotaすごい！いつから始めたんですか？sugoi! itsu kara hajimeta n desu ka?Amazing! When did you start?
- 結衣 Yui三ヶ月前から始めました。sankagetsu mae kara hajimemashita.I started three months ago.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kung fu” translations and entries カンフー, 功夫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
