Readings: ブ, ム (Onyomi), (Kunyomi)
Meaning: military, martial, warrior, chivalry
The kanji 武 is composed of 止 (stop) and 戈 (halberd, weapon). It is often interpreted as “to stop a weapon” or “to stop war,” suggesting that martial prowess is used to prevent or end conflict, rather than to initiate it.
View JLPT N2 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 武 has 8 strokes. It begins with the top left component, followed by the top right, then the horizontal stroke in the middle. The “stop” radical (止) is then written at the bottom.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 止 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 8 |
| JLPT Level | N2 |
| Grade | Junior High |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- ブ (Bu)
- ム (Mu)
Common Words Using 武
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 武道 | ぶどう | martial arts |
| 武士 | ぶし | warrior, samurai |
| 武力 | ぶりょく | military power, armed might |
| 武器 | ぶき | weapon |
| 武術 | ぶじゅつ | martial arts (technique) |
| 武将 | ぶしょう | military commander, general |
| 武者 | むしゃ | warrior |
| 武勇 | ぶゆう | valor, bravery |
| 武官 | ぶかん | military officer |
| 武運 | ぶうん | military fortune |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 彼は武道を学んでいる。
Kana: かれはぶどうをまなんでいる。
Romaji: Kare wa budō o manande iru.
English: He is learning martial arts.
Japanese: 武士は名誉を重んじた。
Kana: ぶしはめいよをおもんじた。
Romaji: Bushi wa meiyo o omonjita.
English: Samurai valued honor.
Japanese: 武力による解決は望ましくない。
Kana: ぶりょくによるかいけつはのぞましくない。
Romaji: Buryoku ni yoru kaiketsu wa nozomashikunai.
English: Resolution by military force is undesirable.
Japanese: 武器を持たずに戦った。
Kana: ぶきをもたずにたたかった。
Romaji: Buki o motazu ni tatakatta.
English: He fought without a weapon.
Japanese: 彼は武術の達人だ。
Kana: かれはぶじゅつのたつじんだ。
Romaji: Kare wa bujutsu no tatsujin da.
English: He is a master of martial arts.
Japanese: 有名な武将がこの城を築いた。
Kana: ゆうめいなぶしょうがこのしろをきずいた。
Romaji: Yūmei na bushō ga kono shiro o kizuita.
English: A famous military commander built this castle.
Japanese: 武者は修行を積む。
Kana: むしゃはしゅぎょうをつむ。
Romaji: Musha wa shugyō o tsumu.
English: Warriors undergo rigorous training.
Japanese: 彼の武勇伝は語り継がれている。
Kana: かれのぶゆうでんはかたりつがれている。
Romaji: Kare no buyūden wa kataritsugarete iru.
English: Tales of his valor are passed down.
Japanese: 彼は武官として国に仕えた。
Kana: かれはぶかんとしてくににつかえた。
Romaji: Kare wa bukan to shite kuni ni tsukaeta.
English: He served the country as a military officer.
Japanese: 遠征の武運を祈る。
Kana: えんせいのぶうんをいのる。
Romaji: Ensei no buun o inoru.
English: We pray for military fortune on the expedition.
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