忍術
ninjutsu
The English phrase "ninja art" is translated into Japanese as 忍術 (ninjutsu).
忍術 refers to the traditional skills and techniques practiced by a ninja. In related contexts, a person who practices these arts is known as a Shinobi (忍び), which is often used synonymously with the term ninja. If you are referring specifically to a female ninja, the term is Kunoichi (くノ一).
Which one should you use?
While 忍術 is the standard term, you may also encounter 忍法 (ninpō).
How do you pronounce it?
ninjutsu
Did you know?
- The term Kunoichi (くノ一) for a female ninja is thought to be derived from the way the characters for 'one' (一), 'no' (ノ), and 'ku' (く) are written, which together resemble the shape of a woman.
- In traditional Japanese thought, the 'art' in 忍術 included non-combat skills like meteorology, psychology and herbal medicine to survive in the wild.
- The term 忍術 was coined in Japan using components derived from Middle Chinese.
Examples in context
- 彼は古代の忍法を学んだ。He learned ancient ninja arts.
- 彼は忍術の使い手だ。He is a practitioner of ninja arts.
- 彼は忍術を学んでいます。Kare wa ninjutsu o manande imasu.He is studying ninja art.
- 忍術の修行は大変です。Ninjutsu no shugyou wa taihen desu.Training in ninja art is difficult.
- その映画には忍術が出てきます。Sono eiga ni wa ninjutsu ga detekimasu.Ninja art appears in that movie.
Example conversation
A girl and a boy are talking about a historical museum visit.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは忍術に興味がありますか？Misaki-san wa ninjutsu ni kyoumi ga arimasu ka?Misaki, are you interested in ninja art?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、忍術の道具を見てみたいです。Hai, ninjutsu no dougu o mite mitai desu.Yes, I want to see ninja art tools.
- 陽太 Yotaあの博物館なら、展示がたくさんありますよ。Ano hakubutsukan nara, tenji ga takusan arimasu yo.That museum has many exhibits.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、一緒に行きましょう！Youta-kun, issho ni ikimashou!Youta, let's go together!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 忍術, CC BY-SA 4.0.
