武术 meaning in English
military skill or technique (in former times); all kinds of martial art sports (some claiming spiritual development)
Meaning of 武术
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- military skill or technique (in former times)
- all kinds of martial art sports (some claiming spiritual development)
- self-defense
- tradition of choreographed fights from opera and film (recent usage)
- also called kungfu 功夫
Measure word: 種|种
How to use 武术
武术 is the general, neutral word for Chinese martial arts, often used for the sport, for training, and for performances. 功夫 (gōngfu) is more casual and is common when talking about kung fu films. Example: 他从小就练武术。(Tā cóngxiǎo jiù liàn wǔshù.) He has practiced martial arts since he was a child.
武 (wǔ) means military or martial, as in 武器 (wǔqì) weapon. 术 (shù) means skill or technique, as in 技术 (jìshù), so 武术 is simply "martial skill."
Common mistake: Learners often say 做武术 or 玩武术. The natural verbs are 练 (liàn) or 学 (xué), as in 练武术. Also keep 术 (shù) in the fourth tone and do not confuse it with 木 (mù, wood), which lacks the extra dot.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
武 wǔ · military · 8 strokes
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术 shù · skill · 5 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 武术.
Questions about 武术
What does 武术 mean?
武术 (wǔshù) means "military skill or technique (in former times); all kinds of martial art sports (some claiming spiritual development)" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 武术?
武术 is made of 2 characters: 武 (8 strokes), 术 (5 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.
Is 武术 an HSK word?
Yes. 武术 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 武术 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 武术 is written 武術.
What is the difference between 武术 and 功夫?
Both can mean Chinese martial arts. 武术 sounds more formal and is used for the official sport and in schools. 功夫 is more everyday and can also mean skill or effort in general, or time spent on something.
Can 武术 refer to non-Chinese martial arts like karate?
It is mostly used for Chinese martial arts. For foreign styles, Chinese usually uses specific names such as 空手道 (kōngshǒudào) karate or 跆拳道 (táiquándào) taekwondo. The broader word 格斗 (gédòu) covers fighting sports in general.