karate

[ kuh-rah-tee ]

noun

1. a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by striking sensitive areas on an attacker's body with the hands, elbows, knees, or feet. Compare judo, jujitsu.
2. a sport based on this method of self-defense.

karate

/ kəˈrɑːtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat, employing smashes, chops, kicks, etc, made with the hands, feet, elbows, or legs
   2. ( as modifier )

      a karate chop to the head

Word History and Origins

Origin of karate¹

1950–55; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + te (earlier *tai ) hand(s)

Word History and Origins

Origin of karate¹

Japanese, literally: empty hand, from kara empty + te hand

Example Sentences

In karate, one notable gold went to Japan’s Ryo Kiyuna, who hails from the martial art’s home of Okinawa.

From Time

Now the 24-year-old is headed to the Summer Olympics, where this month, for the first time ever, skaters from 26 countries will have the chance to compete, joining a handful of other newly debuting sports, including climbing, karate, and surfing.

From Outside Online

Surfing, skateboarding, karate and sport climbing will all make their debut at the 2020 Olympics, while baseball and softball return to the Olympic stage for the first time in 13 years.

From Time

However, I soon realized that school shutting down meant that the other things I enjoyed, such as my evening routine of swimming and karate practices, would also come to a standstill.

From Time

I think everybody would like to be handsome and good at karate.

From The Daily Beast

He confesses that if time permits, he wants to see the Ralph Macchio panel on the 30th anniversary of Karate Kid.

From The Daily Beast

Asked if he knew the names of the newborn quadruplets, Merritt recalled two: gi—a karate outfit—and po—a chamber pot.

From The Daily Beast

He karate-chops a final stray assassin, then they exchange vows.

From The Daily Beast

T'ai Chi is internal and soft, versus karate, which is external and hard.

From The Daily Beast

Before the native turned, the American's hand lashed out in a karate blow which stunned the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Joe's attacker tucked his chin into his shoulder, fighter style, and moved in throwing off the effects of the karate blows.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• judo
• wrestling

More About Karate

What does karate mean?

Karate is a martial art and an unarmed combat and self-defense system that targets weak areas on an attacker’s body by using the hands, arms, legs, and feet to strike with fast, powerful blows. Karate originated in Japan.

Like other martial arts, karate is known for emphasizing the mental aspects of the discipline as well as values like courtesy and respect. The learning level of a person who practices karate is signified with a belt. The highest level is black belt.

A person who practices or competes in karate can be called a karateka. A karate instructor can be called a sensei, and a school where karate is taught can be called a dojo.

Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts. Probably for this reason, the word karate is sometimes used in a very general, casual way as a catchall term for any martial art.

Karate is also practiced as a sport in two main forms. Kumite (meaning “sparring”) is the traditional form involving matches between two fighters who spar against each other and are awarded points for landing blows. The other form, kata (meaning “pattern” or “form”), involves individual competitors performing a rehearsed set of karate techniques (called forms) before a panel of judges. Both types were first included as Olympic events in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021.

Example: I signed my kids up for karate so that they can learn self-defense and build their confidence.

Where does karate come from?

The first records of the word karate in English come from the mid-1900s. It roughly translates to “empty hand,” from the Japanese word kara, meaning “empty,” and te, meaning “hand.”

Karate traces its origins to other East Asian martial arts. It was developed and refined by inhabitants of the island of Okinawa in the 1600s as a form of unarmed self-defense before spreading throughout Japan and then internationally.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to karate?

• karateka (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with karate? 

• karate-chop

What are some words that often get used in discussing karate?

• martial art
• self-defense
• black belt
• belt
• dojo
• sensei
• Japanese
• chop
• kumite
• kata

How is karate used in real life?

Karate is one of the most well-known martial arts. Probably for this reason, other martial arts are often casually (or mistakenly) referred to as karate.

GUESS WHO FINALLY GOT HER FIRST BELT IN THE ART OF KARATE!😭😭😭😭🙏🏽

I was told if I keep up the way I’ve been training I can be a black belt in 3 or 3 and a half years!😭😭🤗🤗
Big ups to my coach for pushing me and not giving up on me even when I wanted to give up 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/2t5ONL5rlT

— Féministe Sorcière (@tastefullysaucy) April 11, 2019

Japan bound to watch my kids compete in the World Wado Kai karate championships.

— James Fell (@BodyForWife) August 6, 2015

#Greetings From #Edify School Electronic City.
Karate will help to improve your confidence and respect.
Practicing karate also helps to improve discipline and mental toughness .
These mental benefits can then be used in your everyday life. pic.twitter.com/75gqSuLfW7

— EdifySchool Ecity (@EdifyEcity) July 6, 2019

 

Try using karate!

What does the word karate roughly translate to?

A. empty hand
B. way of the fist
C. empty foot
D. foot and fist