Meaning
The kanji 弓 (きゅう, ゆみ) means “bow.” This could refer to a traditional archery bow, a bow used for musical instruments like a violin or cello, or metaphorically to anything curved or bow-shaped, such as an arc or a crescent. Its visual form is a clear pictograph, directly illustrating a strung bow with its curved limb and string. This direct visual connection makes 弓 intuitive to learn; its ancient origins are still clearly visible in its modern form.
Historically, the character 弓 evolved from ancient oracle bone and bronze inscriptions that depicted a hunting bow. Over millennia, though stylized, the essence of that original image has remained. Despite its simple three strokes, 弓 holds profound cultural and historical significance in Japanese culture, particularly in practices like Kyūdō (弓道), the Japanese martial art of archery. Its curved form is also seen in many everyday objects.
Taught in the second grade of Japanese elementary school (小学2年生), 弓 is an early character for native speakers. Its low stroke count (3 strokes) makes it easy to write and recognize. While introduced early, its applications extend to complex vocabulary at higher Japanese proficiency levels, including JLPT N1. You'll find 弓 in contexts related to traditional arts, geometry (arcs), physics, and even astronomy (like the crescent moon). A solid understanding of 弓 is essential for grasping many related terms and concepts.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 弓 is キュウ (Kyuu). This reading typically appears in compound words of a more formal, academic, or traditional Chinese origin. You'll often find it in terms related to archery, geometry, or other fields where Chinese concepts are directly translated. When 弓 appears as part of a longer word and is read 'kyuu', this is typically the reading in use.
- 弓道 (kyūdō) — The Japanese martial art of archery, literally "The Way of the Bow." This term combines 弓 (bow) with 道 (way, path), emphasizing the spiritual and disciplined aspect of traditional archery, a core cultural practice.
- 弓術 (kyūjutsu) — The art or skill of archery, a more general term for the technical skill involved in using a bow, often in a historical or military context.
- 弓形 (kyūkei) — A bow shape; an arc. Often used in descriptive contexts, such as describing a curve or an arch in architecture, nature, or diagrams.
- 弓状 (kyūjō) — Bow-shaped; arc-shaped. Similar to 弓形, used to describe the form or outline of an object, like a topographical feature or a design element.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading for 弓 is ゆみ (yumi). This reading is used when the kanji stands alone as a noun, or in native Japanese compound words. It is the most common and direct way to refer to a bow in everyday conversation, whether it's an archery bow or the bow of a musical instrument. This reading connects directly to the ancient Japanese word for bow.
- 弓 (yumi) — A bow (archery, violin). As a standalone noun, 弓 (yumi) is the basic word for "bow" in its most general sense.
- 弓矢 (yumiya) — Bow and arrow. A classic compound, often appearing in historical narratives, folklore, or traditional imagery.
- 弓を引く (yumi o hiku) — To draw a bow; to shoot a bow. This phrase describes the fundamental action of using an archery bow, highlighting the verb "to pull."
- 弓なり (yuminari) — Bow-shaped; arching. Describes something that takes on the natural, graceful curve of a bow, often used for things like tree branches or a person's back.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 弓 appears in a variety of Japanese words and compounds, reflecting its diverse applications from traditional martial arts to descriptive terms for shapes and celestial bodies. Exploring these common words will help you understand 弓 beyond its basic meaning.
Archery & Weaponry Related
- 弓道 (kyūdō) — The Way of the Bow, a sophisticated Japanese martial art emphasizing technique, discipline, and spiritual growth.
- 弓術 (kyūjutsu) — The historical art and skill of archery, particularly in a combat or traditional military context.
- 弓矢 (yumiya) — Bow and arrow, the essential components of traditional ranged weaponry.
- 弓手 (yunde) — Specifically refers to the bow hand in archery, the hand that holds the bow.
- 弓道場 (kyūdōjō) — A dedicated hall or practice range where Kyūdō is practiced, featuring specific targets and facilities.
- 弓引き (yumihiki) — An archer; literally, "one who draws a bow."
Shape & Form Related
- 弓形 (kyūkei) — A bow shape or an arc, often used in scientific or technical descriptions of curved objects.
- 弓状 (kyūjō) — Bow-shaped; arc-shaped, used to describe the form or outline of various items, from geological features to architectural elements.
- 弓なり (yuminari) — Arching or bending like a bow, often describes natural curves or postures, such as a tree bending in the wind.
- 弓張り月 (yumiharizuki) — A beautiful and poetic term for a crescent moon, literally meaning "bow-strung moon," comparing the moon's curve to a taut bow.
Music & Other Contexts
- 弓 (yumi) — Also refers to the bow of a string instrument (e.g., violin bow), distinct from the instrument itself.
- 弓奏 (kyūsō) — The act of playing a string instrument with a bow, a term used in musical notation or theory.
Example Sentences
彼は弓を引き、的を狙いました。
Kare wa yumi o hiki, mato o neraimashita.
He drew his bow and aimed at the target.
その橋>は美しい弓形をしています。
Sono hashi wa utsukushii kyūkei o shiteimasu.
That bridge has a beautiful arch shape.
弓道は日本の伝統的な武道です。
Kyūdō wa Nihon no dentōteki na budō desu.
Kyūdō is a traditional Japanese martial art.
夜空には細い弓張り月が浮かんでいました。
Yozora ni wa hosoi yumiharizuki ga ukande imashita.
A slender crescent moon was floating in the night sky.
弦楽器を弾くには弓が必要です。
Gengakki o hiku ni wa yumi ga hitsuyō desu.
A bow is necessary to play a string instrument.
彼は弓術の腕前が非常に高いです。
Kare wa kyūjutsu no udemae ga hijō ni takai desu.
He is very skilled in the art of archery.
アーチ型の窓は、まるで弓のように湾曲しています。
Āchigata no mado wa, marude yumi no yō ni wankyoku shiteimasu.
The arched window is curved just like a bow.
弓の練習のため、毎日道場へ通っています。
Yumi no renshū no tame, mainichi dōjō e kayotteimasu.
I go to the dojo every day for bow practice.
古代の戦士たちは弓矢を使って戦いました。
Kodai no senshi-tachi wa yumiya o tsukatte tatakaimashita.
Ancient warriors fought using bows and arrows.
Memory Tip
As one of the most straightforward pictographs in Japanese, 弓 is quite easy to remember. To recall its meaning, simply visualize its shape: it perfectly depicts a strung bow, ready for an arrow. The left side forms the curved body, while the two horizontal strokes on the right represent the bowstring stretched taut between the ends. Imagine an archer holding it, or a violinist gracefully drawing their bow across strings—the image aligns perfectly with the character. Think of the bottom stroke as the grip and the top stroke as the upper limb. This simplicity and directness allow you to instantly associate the character with its meaning of "bow."