Translation and Meaning of: 技 - waza

The Japanese word 「技」(waza) is a term often translated as "technique" or "skill." However, its meaning goes beyond these simple translations, encoming a variety of nuances that make it special within the Japanese cultural context. 「技」reflects the dexterity and technical mastery in various disciplines, whether in martial arts, performing arts, or even in craftsmanship. This expression reveals the ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous refinement in a specific skill.

Etymologically, 「技」is composed of a single kanji that is often associated with skills, competencies, and techniques. This character consists of the radicals 扌 (teshihen), which means "hand," and 支 (shi), which can be interpreted as "branching" or "," suggesting a skill acquired by the hands or a technique that requires and refinement to be mastered. The combination of these radicals evokes the image of a technique that is held or practiced with the hands.

Historically, the concept of 「技」 has deep roots in Japanese culture, especially in the practices of traditional arts. In martial arts such as jiu-jitsu or aikido, the term is widely used to describe specific movement and attack techniques. Furthermore, in arts like noh theater and the tea ceremony, the idea of waza is applied to define the fluidity and precision of movements, becoming a form of art cultivated over the years through dedicated training. This ancestral reverence for 「技」reflects a culture that values technical mastery as a path to perfection.

There are various variations and uses of the word 「技」in different contexts. In sports, for example, the word often denotes specific movements that require practice and skill, such as in "motor sports" (motoresupōtsu no waza) or in "gymnastics" (taisō no waza). These variations demonstrate how the notion of a well-learned technique is applied to various spheres, not limited only to traditional arts.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• わざ (waza) - Technique, skill
• ぎ (gi) - Skill, technique (often in a specific context)
• ぎじゅつ (gijutsu) - Technology, technical skill
• こうぎ (kougi) - Classes, instruction in technical skills
• じゅつ (jutsu) - Technique, art (generally related to martial or magical arts)
• ぎわざ (giwaza) - Techniques used in a specialized context
• ぎのわざ (ginowaza) - Specific skill techniques (with an emphasis on skill)
• じゅつわざ (jutsuwaza) - Artistic or magical techniques
• じゅつのわざ (jutsunowaza) - Art techniques (with an emphasis on a specific art form)
• じゅつのこうぎ (jutsunokougi) - Instructions for the arts (focusing on the technique of a specific art)

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