This week Fun Japan Word is strong!
It’s Kiai 気合 which means “Fighting spirit” in Japanese.
Kiai is composed with the kanji 気 which is basically used for “air” but also for “spirit”.
Kiai is a term used a lot in martial arts for the yell or the shout that people do while attacking.
It’s supposed to help to concentrate and deliver the energy in one point.
But in fact it’s mostly an exercise to teach pupils how to breathe with a correct timing.
You can find stories about Kiai in many mangas or anime like Dragon Ball for example where the energy is called Ki 気.
Kiai is also used in common discussion to motivate people on sport, work or anything else.
You can say “Give me some Kiai!”, “Put more Kiai in this!” for example.
What is the message you shout to show your fighting spirit?
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