How Do You Say Karate in Chinese?

Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It has gained popularity worldwide and is now practiced by millions of people globally. In China, Karate is known as „空手道“ (Kong Shou Dao) which means „empty hand way“. In this article, we will dive into the meaning and pronunciation of the Chinese word for Karate.

Meaning of Kong Shou Dao

The Chinese word for Karate is made up of three characters. The first character „空“ (Kong) means empty, the second character „手“ (Shou) means hand, and the last character „道“ (Dao) means the way.

Interestingly, the meaning of „空手“ (Kong Shou) in Chinese is similar to the Japanese meaning of Karate which also translates to „empty hand“ or „open hand“. The name „Karate“ was adopted by Japanese martial artists because it was a way to distinguish their art from traditional Chinese martial arts which often use weapons.

However, the Chinese translation „Kong Shou Dao“ focuses more on the way or path of empty-hand combat, rather than just the physical aspect of using one’s hands for fighting.

Pronunciation of Kong Shou Dao

The pronunciation of „Kong Shou Dao“ is not difficult once you understand the Chinese tones. The first character „空“ (Kong) is pronounced with a high tone.

The second character „手“ (Shou) is pronounced with a falling-rising tone. The tone starts from the middle and goes down before rising back up.

The last character „道“ (Dao) is pronounced with a falling tone.

When combined together, the complete pronunciation of „Kong Shou Dao“ sounds like „kōng shǒu dào“. The emphasis is on the second character „Shou“, which is pronounced with a slightly higher pitch than the other two characters.

How Do You Say Karate in Chinese?

Introduction

Karate is a popular martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. Over the years, it has spread to various parts of the world and has gained immense popularity in China. Many people are curious to know how to say „karate“ in Chinese.

What Is Karate?

Before we delve into how to say „karate“ in Chinese, let’s briefly discuss what karate is. Karate is a form of martial art that involves various striking techniques such as kicks, punches, and knee strikes. It also includes grappling, throwing, and joint-locking techniques. Karate is a great form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and enhance flexibility.

How to Say Karate in Chinese

The Chinese translation of „karate“ is „空手道“ (kongshoudao). The translation of „kongshou“ means „empty hand,“ while „dao“ means „way“ or „path.“

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Is Karate Popular in China?

Yes, karate is very popular in China. It is similar to kung fu but focuses primarily on strikes and hand techniques. Many people who practice martial arts in china also include training in karate.

Is Karate Practiced for Self-defense in China?

Yes, karate is practiced as a self-defense technique in China. It is useful for protecting oneself from attackers and can be used to control difficult situations.

What Are Some Benefits of Practicing Karate in China?

Practicing karate can offer numerous benefits in China, both physical and mental. It helps build strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance. It can also improve balance, coordination and focus. Practicing karate also provides a sense of discipline, respect, and inner peace.

Who Can Practice Karate?

Anyone can practice karate, regardless of their age or gender. It is a great form of exercise that allows people to improve their physical and mental health while learning self-defense techniques. Children, adults, and seniors can all benefit from practicing karate.

Introduction

Karate is a popular martial art that originated in Japan but has gained popularity worldwide. As with many things in life, karate has its roots in China, where similar martial arts have been practiced for centuries. If you’re interested in karate and want to learn more about its Chinese origin, then you’re probably wondering how to say karate in Chinese. In this blog post, we will explore the different Chinese terms for karate and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to pronounce them accurately.

The Origins of Karate in China

Karate has its roots in China, where traditional martial arts such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi have been practiced for centuries. Over time, these martial arts spread to neighboring countries such as Japan, where they were eventually adapted and transformed into what we now know as karate.

How to Say Karate in Chinese

There are different ways to say karate in Chinese, depending on the context, pronunciation, and region. Here are some of the most common Chinese terms for karate:

1. 空手道 (Kōng Shǒu Dào)

空手道 is the most commonly used Chinese term for karate, and it literally means „empty hand way.“ The pronunciation is Kōng Shǒu Dào, with the emphasis on the first syllable of each word. To pronounce it accurately, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with the sound „k.“
Step 2: Add the vowel sound „oh“ (like in „go“).
Step 3: Add the nasal sound „ng.“
Step 4: Add the sound „sh“ (like in „shoe“).
Step 5: Add the vowel sound „oh“ again.
Step 6: Add the sound „d“ (as in „dog“).
Step 7: Add the vowel sound „ao“ (similar to „ow“ in „cow“).

2. 空手 (Kōng Shǒu)

Another way to say karate in Chinese is 空手, which means „empty hand“ and is used interchangeably with 空手道. The pronunciation is Kōng Shǒu, with the emphasis on the first syllable of each word. To pronounce it accurately, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with the sound „k.“
Step 2: Add the vowel sound „oh“ (like in „go“).
Step 3: Add the nasal sound „ng.“
Step 4: Add the sound „sh“ (like in „shoe“).
Step 5: Add the vowel sound „oh“ again.
Step 6: Add the sound „s“ (as in „see“).
Step 7: Add the vowel sound „ou“ (similar to „o“ in „go“).

3. 空手道术 (Kōng Shǒu Dào Shù)

空手道术 is another Chinese term for karate that is less commonly used but still relevant. It means „the art of empty hand way“ and is pronounced Kōng Shǒu Dào Shù, with the emphasis on the first syllable of each word. To pronounce it accurately, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with the sound „k.“
Step 2: Add the vowel sound „oh“ (like in „go“).
Step 3: Add the nasal sound „ng.“
Step 4: Add the sound „sh“ (like in „shoe“).
Step 5: Add the vowel sound „oh“ again.
Step 6: Add the sound „d“ (as in „dog“).
Step 7: Add the vowel sound „ao“ (similar to „ow“ in „cow“).
Step 8: Add the sound „sh“ (like in „shoe“).
Step 9: Add the vowel sound „oo“ (similar to „oo“ in „tool“).
Step 10: Add the sound „sh“ again.

4. 空松 (Kōng Sōng)

空松 is another Chinese term for karate, especially in southern China, which means „empty pine.“ It is pronounced Kōng Sōng, with the emphasis on the first syllable of each word. To pronounce it accurately, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with the sound „k.“
Step 2: Add the vowel sound „oh“ (like in „go“).
Step 3: Add the nasal sound „ng.“
Step 4: Add the sound „s“ (as in „see“).
Step 5: Add the vowel sound „ong“ (similar to „on“ in „gone“).

Conclusion

Karate has its origins in China, where it was known as „empty hand way.“ Today, there are several Chinese terms used to refer to karate, including 空手道, 空手, 空手道术, and 空松. Learning how to say karate in Chinese can help you gain a deeper understanding of the martial art and its cultural roots. With this step-by-step guide, you can now confidently pronounce the different Chinese terms for karate.