ENGLISH
REFERENCE

karate

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //kɝˈɑti// UK //kəɹˈɑːti// karate Informal

n. a traditional sport from Japan where you use your hands and feet to fight. It focuses on hitting and kicking rather than holding your opponent.

n. a traditional Japanese martial art involving striking techniques such as punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Often practiced as a sport or for self-defense.


SIMPLE

She goes to karate class every Tuesday evening.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of training, he finally earned his black belt in karate and began teaching younger students.

COMPLEX

While many people view karate primarily as a method of combat, traditional practitioners emphasize the discipline and mental focus required to master the various forms and movements.

Origin

Borrowed from Japanese 空(から)手(て) (karate), from 唐(から)手(て) (karate), an orthographic borrowing from Okinawan 唐手(とーでぃー) (tōdī, “Chinese hand”).

Usage

Typically used with the verb 'do' rather than 'play'.

Pitfall

I play karateI do karateEnglish uses 'do' for martial arts and individual sports that do not involve a ball.

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