Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 忍者 | ninja | [ɲ̟ĩɲ̟d͡ʑa̠] (narrow) |
| 忍び | shinobi | [ɕino̞bʲi] (narrow) |
| 忍びの者 | shinobi no mono | [ɕino̞bʲi no̞ mo̞no̞] (narrow) |
A ninja was a spy and mercenary in pre-modern Japan. While 忍者 is the standard term, you might also encounter 忍術家 (ninjutsu-ka), which refers specifically to a practitioner or expert in ninjutsu. In a historical context, undercover agents operating within the ruling class hierarchy of feudal Japan were sometimes called 隠密 (onmitsu).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 忍びの者 (shinobi no mono) literally means "one who practices stealth" or "person of stealth."
Which one should you use?
忍者 (ninja) is the most common way to refer to a ninja in modern Japanese. In contrast, 忍び (shinobi) is an older and more traditional term. The form 忍びの者 (shinobi no mono) is a more formal or archaic way to express the concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 忍び (shinobi) can function as a noun meaning "stealth" or "secrecy" on its own, and it also serves as a synonym for the person (the ninja).
How do you pronounce it?
ninja
Did you know?
- The core kanji in ninja, which is 忍, does not just mean 'stealth'. Its primary meaning is actually 'to endure' or 'to bear quietly', suggesting a ninja's skill is rooted in patience and endurance.
- The word ninja is actually a relatively modern phenomenon. While the kanji were used in historical texts, the specific pronunciation ninja became popular in the modern era, largely driven by post-World War Two manga and pop culture.
Examples in context
- 彼は忍者だよ。He's a ninja.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a ninja using 忍者.Tatoeba #8828940 by small_snow, translation #2276568 by Hybrid
- トムが忍者のような服着てるよ。Tom is dressed like a ninja.This sentence shows how to describe someone dressed in the style of a ninja using 忍者.Tatoeba #10187675 by small_snow, translation #9286171 by DJ_Saidez
- 忍びは手裏剣と刀を使って戦う。Ninjas fight using shurikens and swords.
- あの忍術家は忍びの技術を継ぐ。That ninjutsu expert inherits the techniques of the shinobi.
- 映画で見た忍者は高い壁を乗り越えた。The ninja I saw in the movie jumped over a high wall.
- 忍者という言葉はどのようなイメージを思い出しますか？What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the word "ninja"?
- 昔の忍者はとても強かった。Mukashi no ninja wa totemo tsuyokatta.Ninjas in the past were very strong.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a historical movie.
- 健太 Kentaあの映画に忍者が出てくるね。Ano eiga ni ninja ga detekuru ne.A ninja appears in that movie, doesn't he?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、かっこいい忍者だったよ。Un, kakkoii ninja datta yo.Yeah, he was a cool ninja.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵は忍者の術を知ってる？Himari wa ninja no jutsu o shitteru?Himari, do you know ninja techniques?
- 陽葵 Himari全然わからないよ。Zenzen wakaranai yo.I have no idea at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ninja” translations and entries 忍者, 忍び, 忍びの者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 忍び, 忍びの者, 忍者, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
