忍
shinobi
The English phrase 'shinobi' is translated into Japanese as 忍.
忍 refers to a covert agent or ninja from historical Japan trained in espionage and stealth. In modern Japanese, while 忍 remains the historical term, the word 忍者 (ninja) is much more commonly used in general conversation and pop culture. If you wish to specifically refer to a ninja practitioner or an expert, you may use 忍術師.
How do you pronounce it?
shinobi
Did you know?
- The kanji for 忍 is composed of two parts: a 'blade' on top of a 'heart'. This visually represents the concept of 'enduring' or 'suppressing' one's emotions under the edge of a sword.
- Historically, shinobi were not always dressed in black. To blend in, they often disguised themselves as common peasants, monks or merchants to move unnoticed through villages.
- While 'shinobi' is the older term, using it in casual modern conversation might make you sound like you are roleplaying a character from a period drama or a video game.
Examples in context
- 彼は忍びの術に精通している。He is proficient in the art of the shinobi.
- 忍者は日本の伝統的な戦士です。Ninjas are traditional Japanese warriors.
- 昨日、彼と忍の術について話した。Yesterday, I talked to him about the art of the shinobi.
- 彼は忍を目指している。Kare wa shinobi o mezashite iru.He is aiming to become a shinobi.
- 忍の技術はとても高度だ。Shinobi no gijutsu wa totemo kōdo da.The techniques of a shinobi are very advanced.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing a historical movie.
- 陽太 Yotaこの映画の忍はとても強いね。Kono eiga no shinobi wa totemo tsuyoi ne.The shinobi in this movie is very strong, isn't he?
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね。動きがとても速いよ。Hontō da ne. Ugoki ga totemo hayai yo.You're right. His movements are very fast.
- 陽太 Yota忍の衣装もかっこいいと思う。Shinobi no ishō mo kakkoii to omou.I think the shinobi's outfit is cool too.
- 美咲 Misaki私もそう思う。とても神秘的だね。Watashi mo sō omou. Totemo shinpiteki da ne.I think so too. It's very mysterious.
