Many words from this language denote martial arts ("judo", "karate") and food ("sushi", "satsuma").
Word | Meaning | Notes |
---|---|---|
bonsai | planted in a tray | A type of tree. |
futon | Sofa that converts into a bed. | |
geisha | Hostess, entertainer, or prostitute. | |
hara-kiri | belly cutting | A method of committing suicide. One of many such terms from Japanese. |
honcho | squad leader | Slang used in USA. |
ju-jitsu | gentle science | A type of unarmed combat. |
judo | gentle way | A martial art. One of many such terms from Japanese. |
kamikaze | divine wind | World War II pilots who crashed their planes laden with explosives. |
karaoke | Singing popular songs with recorded musical backing. | |
karate | empty hand | A type of unarmed combat. |
kendo | sword way | Combat with a sword. |
kimono | ||
ninja | Japanese warrior. | |
origami | Japanese art of folding paper into intricate designs. | |
rickshaw | man power vehicle | |
sake | rice wine | |
samurai | Japanese military officer. | |
satsuma | A type of orange named after a province in Japan. | |
shogun | great general | Japanese hereditary officer. |
soy | A bean used as a meat substitute. | |
sumo | Japanese wrestling. | |
sushi | A meal of cold rice sometimes garnished with raw fish. | |
tatami | A mat for sleeping on. | |
tsunami | harbour wave | Also known incorrectly as a 'tidal wave'. |
tycoon | great lord | Wealthy businessman. |