Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #3,420 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

稽古

keiko Top 3,420

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 稽古 en 30 secondes

Explication 稽古 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'Keiko' simply as a special word for 'practice.' While you mostly use 'Renshū' for things like sports or homework, you use 'Keiko' if you are talking about traditional Japanese things like Karate, Judo, or the Tea Ceremony. It is a noun, so you can say 'Keiko ga arimasu' (I have practice). You might also see it with 'o' at the beginning: 'Okeiko.' This is just a polite way to say it. At this stage, focus on recognizing that this word is used for 'lessons' in a hobby or an art. If you are taking a class for a traditional instrument or a martial art, this is the word you will use to tell your friends where you are going. It's often used with 'ni ikimasu' (go to). For example, 'Keiko ni ikimasu' means 'I am going to practice.' Just remember not to use it for school subjects or soccer!

At the A2 level, you should start to understand that 'Keiko' is a 'suru-verb,' meaning you can say 'Keiko-suru' to mean 'to practice.' However, it's more common to use it as a noun in phrases like 'Keiko no jikan' (practice time). You should also notice that 'Keiko' is used for rehearsals in performing arts. If you are in a play or a dance recital, you would call those practice sessions 'Keiko.' You can start using more descriptive sentences, such as 'Mainichi keiko o shimasu' (I practice every day). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'Keiko' and 'Renshū' in simple contexts. If someone asks about your hobby and it's a traditional art, using 'Keiko' will make your Japanese sound much more natural and culturally aware than using 'Renshū.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should appreciate the nuance of 'discipline' and 'tradition' that 'Keiko' carries. It's not just about repeating a motion; it's about following a 'Way' (Dō). You will encounter compound words like 'Asa-geiko' (morning practice) or 'Hana-geiko' (flower arrangement practice). You should also learn the phrase 'Keiko o tsukeru,' which means a teacher or a senior is giving you a lesson. This is a very common expression in martial arts and traditional crafts. You can also use 'Keiko' to describe the general process of learning a skill over a long period. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'Keiko' in both formal and informal settings, knowing that adding the 'o' prefix (Okeiko) makes it sound more refined and is often used by women or when talking about children's lessons.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you should understand the etymology of 'Keiko'—'considering the past.' This explains why it is used for traditional arts: you are studying the ancient forms to perfect your current self. You will see 'Keiko' used in literature and news reports to describe the rigorous training of Sumo wrestlers or Kabuki actors. You should be able to use 'Keiko' in complex sentences, such as 'Keiko o kasaneu' (to pile up/accumulate practice), which means to practice diligently over a long time. You should also understand the social implications; saying someone has 'Keiko' often implies they are a person of culture or discipline. You can also start using the word in the context of 'rehearsals' for professional theater, understanding that it implies a deeper level of commitment than just a 'run-through.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you should be able to discuss the philosophical differences between 'Keiko,' 'Renshū,' and 'Shugyō.' You might analyze how 'Keiko' involves the concept of 'Kata' (form) and how the repetition of form leads to spiritual refinement. You will encounter the word in academic texts about Japanese culture or in deep interviews with masters of traditional arts. You should understand the nuance of 'Keiko-ba' (the place of practice) and how the environment itself is sacred. You should also be aware of the historical development of the term from the 'Kojiki' and how its meaning has shifted from general 'study' to the specific 'training in arts' we see today. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the humility involved in 'Keiko,' often positioning yourself as the receiver of wisdom.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the cultural and historical weight of 'Keiko.' You can use it metaphorically to describe any process of self-refinement that involves looking back at history or tradition. You understand its specific use in the 'Hanamachi' (geisha districts) or the 'Dohyo' (sumo ring) and the specific terminologies associated with those worlds. You can explain to others the subtle difference between 'Keiko' as a lesson and 'Keiko' as a lifelong pursuit of perfection. You are comfortable with archaic or highly formal variations and can interpret the word's appearance in classical Japanese literature. In professional or academic discussions, you can use 'Keiko' to illustrate the unique Japanese approach to pedagogy and the transmission of intangible cultural heritage.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

稽古 en 30 secondes

Keiko is a specific Japanese word for practicing traditional arts like martial arts, tea ceremony, and calligraphy.
It differs from 'renshu' by implying a master-student relationship and a focus on spiritual and formal discipline.
The word literally means 'to reflect on the past' to gain wisdom for the present through repetition.
It is also used for theater rehearsals and is often preceded by 'o' (okeiko) to sound more polite.

The Japanese word 稽古 (Keiko) is a profound term that transcends the simple English translation of 'practice' or 'training.' While a beginner might encounter it as a synonym for 練習 (renshū), its cultural weight is significantly heavier. Derived from the concept of 'considering the past' to inform the present, 稽古 is almost exclusively reserved for traditional Japanese arts, martial arts, and performance disciplines. When a student of Kendo, Aikido, or Judo goes to the dojo, they are going for 稽古. Similarly, a practitioner of the tea ceremony (Sadō), flower arrangement (Ikebana), or traditional dance (Nihon Buyō) refers to their lessons as 稽古. It implies a structured, often ritualistic environment where learning is passed down from a master (Sensei) to a disciple. Unlike modern sports training, which focuses on physical conditioning and winning, 稽古 emphasizes the refinement of the spirit, the perfection of form (kata), and the preservation of tradition.

Cultural Scope: Used for traditional arts like calligraphy (Shodō), Noh theater, and Kabuki, as well as martial arts.
Spiritual Nuance: Includes the idea of mental discipline and the pursuit of 'Mushin' (no-mind) during repetitive training.
Master-Disciple Relationship: Implies a formal setting where a teacher provides direct guidance and correction.

In daily conversation, you won't use 稽古 for practicing math problems or practicing a soccer penalty kick; for those, 練習 (renshū) is the appropriate term. However, if you are learning a musical instrument like the piano or violin, 稽古 can sometimes be used, though 練習 is more common. The choice of 稽古 suggests a level of seriousness and a 'way' (dō) of life. It is also used in the world of Sumo wrestling, where the daily grueling training sessions are called 'asa-geiko' (morning practice). This word carries the dust of the dojo and the scent of incense in a tea room.

明日は剣道の稽古があります。
(Ashita wa kendō no keiko ga arimasu.)
Tomorrow, I have Kendo practice.

Understanding 稽古 requires looking at the kanji. 稽 (kei) means 'to think' or 'to consider,' and 古 (ko) means 'old' or 'ancient.' Together, they literally mean 'to reflect on the past.' This reflects the Japanese educational philosophy that by studying the ancient forms and the wisdom of those who came before, one can achieve mastery in the present. It is a process of repeated action until the movement becomes second nature, allowing the practitioner to transcend the physical form.

茶道の稽古は週に一度です。
(Sadō no keiko wa shū ni ichido desu.)
Tea ceremony practice is once a week.

Using 稽古 (Keiko) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as both a noun and a compound verb (suru-verb). While it primarily functions as a noun meaning 'practice' or 'lesson,' adding 'suru' transforms it into 'to practice.' However, in the context of traditional arts, you will often hear it paired with specific verbs that indicate the direction of teaching or the intensity of the session.

稽古をする (Keiko o suru): The standard way to say 'to practice.' Used by the student.
稽古をつける (Keiko o tsukeru): Used when a teacher or senior 'gives' a lesson or 'trains' a student. It implies a transfer of knowledge.
稽古に通う (Keiko ni kayou): Meaning 'to commute to practice' or 'to attend lessons regularly.'

When constructing sentences, the particle 'no' (の) is frequently used to specify the type of practice. For example, 'piano no keiko' (piano practice) or 'shodō no keiko' (calligraphy practice). It is important to note that while 'renshū' can be used for piano, 'keiko' adds a layer of formality and suggests that the student is studying under a specific teacher in a traditional lesson format.

先生に稽古をつけていただきました。
(Sensei ni keiko o tsukete itadakimashita.)
I was honored to have the teacher give me a lesson.

In a more professional or intense setting, such as Sumo or professional theater, the word takes on a more rigorous meaning. 'Mō-geiko' (fierce practice) describes the incredibly tough training sessions. In these contexts, 稽古 is not just a hobby; it is a lifestyle. When talking about the frequency of practice, you can use phrases like 'mainichi keiko suru' (practice every day) or 'keiko o yasumu' (to miss/take a break from practice).

彼は毎日、三味線の稽古に励んでいる。
(Kare wa mainichi, shamisen no keiko ni hagonde iru.)
He is working hard at his shamisen practice every day.

You will encounter 稽古 (Keiko) in several specific real-world environments in Japan. The most common place is the **Dojo** (martial arts hall). Before a session starts, a student might say, 'I'm going to keiko.' The sounds of wooden swords clashing in Kendo or the rhythmic falls in Aikido are the background music to 稽古. In these spaces, the word is spoken with a sense of duty and respect.

Another major arena for this word is the **Traditional Arts Studio**. If you visit a neighborhood in Kyoto, you might see small signs for 'Shodō-keiko' (Calligraphy lessons) or 'Koto-keiko' (Koto musical instrument lessons). Mothers might talk about their children's 'okeiko' (the polite version with the 'o' prefix), referring to their after-school traditional lessons. It's a hallmark of a disciplined upbringing in Japan.

お稽古の帰りにお茶を飲みましょう。
(O-keiko no kaeri ni ocha o nomimashō.)
Let's have tea on the way back from our lesson.

The world of **Sumo** is perhaps where the word sounds the most intense. 'Asa-geiko' (morning practice) is a famous ritual where wrestlers train from the early hours of the morning. Tourists often go to watch these sessions, which are silent except for the sounds of heavy bodies colliding and the instructions of the stable master. Here, 稽古 is a battle against oneself.

Finally, in **modern media**, such as anime or period dramas (Jidaigeki), you will hear characters using this word to describe their training to become stronger or more refined. A samurai doesn't 'practice' with his sword; he performs 稽古. This distinction helps set the tone of the setting as one rooted in tradition and discipline.

舞台の稽古が始まりました。
(Butai no keiko ga hajimarimashita.)
The stage rehearsals have begun.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 稽古 (Keiko) is using it too broadly as a direct replacement for 'practice.' In English, we 'practice' everything: soccer, math, the guitar, a speech, and medicine. In Japanese, these are all handled by different words. Using 稽古 for 'practicing soccer' sounds very strange to a Japanese ear—it would imply that soccer is a centuries-old traditional Japanese art form with a spiritual master-disciple lineage.

Mistake: Keiko for Sports: Don't say 'Sakkā no keiko.' Use 'Sakkā no renshū' (練習).
Mistake: Keiko for Academic Study: Don't say 'Sūgaku no keiko' for math practice. Use 'Sūgaku no benkyō' (勉強) or 'enshū' (演習).
Mistake: Forgetting the 'O': While 'Keiko' is correct, in polite social settings, it is almost always called 'O-keiko.' Omitting the 'o' can sound slightly rough or overly masculine.

Another mistake is confusing 稽古 with **訓練 (kunren)**. Kunren refers to 'training' in a technical or emergency sense, such as fire drills (hinan kunren) or military training. You wouldn't use 稽古 for a fire drill because there is no 'art' or 'way' involved; it is a purely functional exercise. Similarly, **修業 (shugyō)** is often confused with 稽古. Shugyō refers to ascetic or religious training, often involving hardships, whereas 稽古 is the regular, ongoing study of a discipline.

❌ サッカーの稽古に行きます。
✅ サッカーの練習に行きます。
(Sakkā no renshū ni ikimasu.)

To truly master 稽古 (Keiko), you must see how it fits into the broader family of Japanese words for 'practice' and 'training.' Each word has a specific 'flavor' and context that dictates its use.

練習 (Renshū): The most general term. Used for sports, musical instruments (generic), and repetitive skills. It focuses on improvement through repetition.
訓練 (Kunren): Technical or physical training designed to prepare one for a specific task or emergency. Think 'drill' or 'vocational training.'
修行 (Shugyō): Ascetic or spiritual training. Often associated with monks or martial artists seeking enlightenment through physical hardship.
演習 (Enshū): Used in academic contexts (like seminar exercises) or military maneuvers.

When comparing 稽古 to 練習, think of the difference between a high school basketball practice (練習) and a master's calligraphy session (稽古). The former is about sweat and scores; the latter is about soul and brushwork. If you are learning a modern skill like programming or driving, you use 練習. If you are learning a traditional skill where the lineage matters, you use 稽古.

空手の稽古は厳しいが、精神が鍛えられる。
(Karate no keiko wa kibishii ga, seishin ga kitaerareru.)
Karate practice is strict, but it strengthens the spirit.

Another interesting alternative is **鍛錬 (Tanren)**. This word literally means 'forging' (like a sword) and refers to the tempering of the body or mind through intense, repeated effort. While 稽古 is the 'lesson,' Tanren is the 'tempering' that happens within the lesson.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word first appeared in the 'Kojiki' (712 AD), Japan's oldest historical record, meaning 'to study the past.' It only became associated with martial arts and music lessons much later in the Edo period.

Guide de prononciation

UK ˈkeɪ.kəʊ

US ˈkeɪ.koʊ

The stress is equal on both syllables in Japanese (flat pitch), but in English, a slight stress may fall on the first syllable.

Rime avec

Seiko Aiko Reiko Meiko Psycho (approximate) Tycho Geico Echo (partial)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kei' as 'kee'. It should be 'kay'.
Making the 'ko' sound too long like 'koooo'.
Adding a stress accent where none exists in Japanese.
Pronouncing the 'i' in 'kei' as a separate syllable.
Nasalizing the 'n' if it were present (it's not, but some confuse it with 'kenko').

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The first kanji 稽 is somewhat complex and not used in many other common words.

Écriture 4/5

Writing 稽 requires 15 strokes and precise balance.

Expression orale 1/5

Pronunciation is very simple and phonetic.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to recognize once learned.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

練習 (Renshū) 先生 (Sensei) する (Suru) 行く (Iku) 道 (Michi/Dō)

Apprends ensuite

道場 (Dōjō) 師匠 (Shishō) 弟子 (Deshi) 精神 (Seishin) 技 (Waza)

Avancé

修行 (Shugyō) 鍛錬 (Tanren) 芸道 (Geidō) 切磋琢磨 (Sessataku-ma)

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Suru-Verbs

稽古(を)する (To practice)

The Polite Prefix 'O'

お稽古 (Polite form of practice)

Giving and Receiving Verbs

稽古をつけてもらう (To have someone give you a lesson)

Purpose of Movement (ni iku)

稽古に行く (Go to practice)

Nominalization with 'No'

稽古の成果 (The results of practice)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

今日は稽古があります。

I have practice today.

Uses 'ga arimasu' to indicate existence/having a scheduled event.

稽古に行きます。

I am going to practice.

The particle 'ni' shows the purpose of going.

お稽古は楽しいです。

Practice is fun.

The 'o' prefix makes 'keiko' polite (okeiko).

何の稽古ですか？

What kind of practice is it?

The particle 'no' links 'nan' (what) to 'keiko'.

ピアノの稽古をします。

I do piano practice.

Shows 'keiko' used as a noun with the verb 'suru'.

月曜日は稽古の日です。

Monday is practice day.

Uses 'A wa B desu' structure.

先生、稽古をお願いします。

Teacher, please give me a lesson.

'Onegaishimasu' is used to politely request the start of a lesson.

稽古は三時からです。

Practice is from three o'clock.

Uses 'kara' to indicate the starting time.

毎週、合気道の稽古に通っています。

I attend Aikido practice every week.

Uses 'kayou' to mean commuting or attending regularly.

昨日は稽古を休みました。

I took a break from practice yesterday.

Past tense of 'yasumu' (to rest/miss).

稽古はどこでありますか？

Where is the practice held?

Uses 'de' to mark the location of an event.

上手に稽古ができました。

I was able to practice well.

Potential form 'dekita' used with an adverb 'jōzu ni'.

稽古の前に準備運動をします。

I do warm-up exercises before practice.

'No mae ni' means 'before [noun]'.

新しい稽古着を買いました。

I bought new practice clothes.

'Keiko-gi' is a compound noun for practice uniforms.

一人で稽古をするのは難しいです。

Practicing alone is difficult.

The 'no wa' nominalizes the phrase 'hitori de keiko o suru'.

稽古の時間は一時間です。

The practice time is one hour.

Specifies the duration using 'jikan'.

茶道の稽古を始めてから、心が落ち着くようになりました。

Since I started tea ceremony practice, I've become more calm.

Uses '~te kara' for 'since starting' and '~yō ni naru' for a change in state.

先生が熱心に稽古をつけてくれました。

The teacher gave me a lesson very enthusiastically.

Uses 'keiko o tsukeru' for a teacher giving a lesson.

舞台の初日に向けて、毎日厳しい稽古が続いています。

Strict rehearsals are continuing every day toward the opening day of the play.

'~ni mukete' means 'towards' a goal.

忙しくても、お稽古だけは欠かさないようにしています。

Even if I'm busy, I make sure not to miss my lessons.

'~nai yō ni shite iru' means 'making an effort not to...'

彼は子供の頃から柔道の稽古に励んでいます。

He has been working hard at Judo practice since he was a child.

'Hagemu' means to strive or work hard at something.

稽古の成果を披露する場があります。

There is a place to show the results of our practice.

'Seika' means 'results' or 'fruits' of labor.

この道場では、昔ながらの稽古が行われています。

Traditional practice is carried out in this dojo.

Passive form 'okonawarete iru' indicates an ongoing action.

稽古仲間と一緒に食事に行きました。

I went to eat with my practice friends.

'Keiko-nakama' refers to people you practice with.

相撲取りは早朝から激しい朝稽古に励む。

Sumo wrestlers work hard at intense morning practice from early dawn.

'Asa-geiko' is a specific term for morning training sessions.

稽古を重ねることで、技に磨きをかける。

By accumulating practice, one polishes their technique.

'Keiko o kasaneru' is a common collocation for long-term practice.

彼は歌舞伎の家系に生まれ、厳格な稽古を受けて育った。

Born into a Kabuki family, he grew up receiving rigorous training.

'Ukeru' (to receive) is used to show the student's perspective.

本番前の通し稽古で、細かなミスを修正する。

Correct small mistakes during the dress rehearsal before the actual performance.

'Tōshi-geiko' means a 'run-through' or dress rehearsal.

精神的な強さを養うために、あえて厳しい稽古に身を置く。

To cultivate mental strength, one deliberately places oneself in strict training.

'Mi o oku' literally means 'to place one's body,' meaning to involve oneself.

その師匠は、弟子たちに情熱を持って稽古をつけている。

That master is training his disciples with passion.

Uses 'te iru' to show the teacher's continuous action.

稽古不足が原因で、試合に負けてしまった。

I lost the match due to a lack of practice.

'Keiko-busoku' means 'lack of practice'.

三味線の稽古は、単なる技術の習得以上の意味がある。

Shamisen practice means more than just acquiring technology.

'~ijō no imi ga aru' means 'has more meaning than...'

日本の伝統芸能における稽古は、単なる反復練習ではなく、師の『型』を写し取るプロセスである。

Practice in Japanese traditional arts is not mere repetitive exercise, but a process of mirroring the master's 'form.'

Uses 'ni okeru' (in/regarding) and 'de wa naku' (not A but B).

世阿弥の『風姿花伝』には、年齢に応じた稽古の在り方が説かれている。

Zeami's 'Fushikaden' explains the proper way of practicing according to one's age.

'~ni ōjita' means 'corresponding to' or 'according to'.

稽古場には、言葉では言い表せないほどの静謐な空気が流れている。

In the practice hall, there is a serene atmosphere that cannot be described in words.

'Kotoba de wa ii-arawasenai' is a high-level idiomatic expression.

熟練の職人は、日々の稽古を怠ることなく、常に高みを目指している。

Skilled artisans never neglect their daily practice and always aim for greater heights.

'~o okotaru koto naku' means 'without neglecting'.

立ち稽古を繰り返すうちに、役の心情が身体に染み込んできた。

As I repeated the blocking rehearsals, the character's emotions began to permeate my body.

'Tachi-geiko' refers to rehearsals on one's feet (blocking).

稽古を通じて、自己の限界を突破する精神力を養う。

Through practice, one cultivates the mental strength to break through one's own limits.

'~o tsūjite' means 'through' or 'via'.

その役者は、長年の稽古によって培われた気品を漂わせている。

That actor exudes an elegance cultivated through years of practice.

'Tsuchikawareru' means 'cultivated' or 'fostered'.

稽古とは、古（いにしえ）を考え、現在の自分を照らし合わせる作業である。

Practice is the work of considering the ancient past and reflecting it upon one's current self.

'Terashiawaseru' means 'to check against' or 'to compare'.

稽古の本質は、師から弟子へと継承される『口伝』の中にこそ存在する。

The essence of practice exists precisely within the 'oral traditions' passed from master to disciple.

'~ni koso' emphasizes the preceding noun as the true location/reason.

能の稽古における沈黙は、雄弁な言葉よりも多くの真理を物語っている。

Silence in Noh practice tells more truths than eloquent words.

'Monogatatte iru' is a literary way to say 'speaks volumes' or 'tells a story'.

身体に刻み込まれた稽古の記憶は、思考を超越した次元で発露する。

The memory of practice carved into the body manifests at a dimension that transcends thought.

'Hatsuro suru' is a formal term for 'to manifest' or 'to find expression'.

彼は、稽古という果てなき旅路において、真理の片鱗を掴み取ろうとしている。

In the endless journey called practice, he is trying to grasp a glimpse of the truth.

'Henrin' means a 'glimpse' or 'a part of a whole'.

伝統の重圧に耐え、己を虚（むな）しくして稽古に没頭する姿は神々しい。

The sight of someone enduring the pressure of tradition and immersing themselves in practice, making themselves empty, is divine.

'Onore o munashiku shite' is a Zen-like expression for self-erasure.

稽古の場は、世俗の喧騒から隔絶された聖域としての機能を有している。

The place of practice functions as a sanctuary isolated from the hustle and bustle of the secular world.

'Yūshite iru' is a formal way to say 'possesses' or 'has'.

技術を磨くことは、同時に自己の魂を研磨する稽古でもあるのだ。

Polishing one's technique is, at the same time, practice that grinds and polishes one's own soul.

'Kenma suru' means to grind, polish, or hone (often used for skills/soul).

稽古の深淵を覗く者は、そこに無限の静寂と動性の調和を見出す。

He who peers into the abyss of practice finds therein the harmony of infinite silence and dynamism.

'Nozoku' means to peer or peek into.

Synonymes

練習修業鍛錬トレーニング習い事演習

Antonymes

本番休息サボり

Collocations courantes

稽古をつける

稽古に励む

朝稽古

稽古着

稽古不足

立ち稽古

稽古を重ねる

お稽古事

出稽古

稽古場

Phrases Courantes

お稽古に行ってきます

— I'm off to my lesson. Commonly used when leaving the house.

母に「お稽古に行ってきます」と言った。

稽古の成果

— The results of one's practice. Often used before a performance.

稽古の成果を発揮する。

厳しい稽古

— Strict or rigorous training. Typical of martial arts.

厳しい稽古に耐える。

稽古を休む

— To miss or take a break from practice.

風邪で稽古を休む。

稽古に打ち込む

— To devote oneself entirely to practice.

柔道の稽古に打ち込む。

公開稽古

— An open practice session for the public or media.

新作舞台の公開稽古。

自主稽古

— Self-practice or training on one's own.

放課後に自主稽古をする。

稽古を始める

— To start a practice session or start learning an art.

三歳からピアノの稽古を始めた。

稽古が終わる

— To finish a practice session.

稽古が終わってから帰る。

稽古仲間

— Friends or peers one practices with.

稽古仲間と切磋琢磨する。

Souvent confondu avec

稽古 vs 練習 (Renshū)

Renshu is for general skills/sports; Keiko is for traditional arts/lineage.

稽古 vs 訓練 (Kunren)

Kunren is technical or emergency training; Keiko is artistic refinement.

稽古 vs 修行 (Shugyō)

Shugyo is ascetic/religious; Keiko is lesson-based study.

Expressions idiomatiques

"稽古は本番のように、本番は稽古のように"

— Practice as if it's the real performance, and perform as if it's just practice. Emphasizes focus and nerves.

緊張しないために「稽古は本番のように」と唱える。

Inspirational

"三日稽古"

— Practicing for only three days; a short-lived attempt at learning something.

三日稽古で終わってしまった。

Critical

"影稽古"

— Shadow practice; practicing secretly or on one's own without others seeing.

夜中に一人で影稽古をする。

Neutral

"寒稽古"

— Winter training; intense practice held during the coldest days of the year.

早朝の寒稽古は身にこたえる。

Traditional

"暑中稽古"

— Mid-summer training; intense practice held during the hottest days.

暑中稽古で体力をつける。

Traditional

"総稽古"

— General rehearsal; a full rehearsal involving everyone.

明日は全員参加の総稽古だ。

Theater

"荒稽古"

— Rough or violent practice; extremely intense physical training.

新入生に荒稽古をつける。

Martial Arts

"通し稽古"

— A continuous run-through from start to finish without stopping.

いよいよ明日は通し稽古だ。

Theater

"独稽古"

— Self-study or practicing alone without a teacher.

本を読みながら独稽古をする。

Neutral

"地稽古"

— Free practice or sparring in Kendo.

先生と地稽古をお願いする。

Kendo

Facile à confondre

稽古 vs 勉強 (Benkyō)

Both involve learning.

Benkyō is for academic subjects like math or science. Keiko is for physical or artistic skills.

数学の勉強 (Math study) vs 剣道の稽古 (Kendo practice).

稽古 vs 演習 (Enshū)

Both can mean 'exercise'.

Enshū is academic (problem-solving) or military. Keiko is artistic/traditional.

ゼミの演習 (Seminar exercise) vs 舞踊の稽古 (Dance practice).

稽古 vs 特訓 (Tokkun)

Both involve intense training.

Tokkun (Special Training) is usually short-term and goal-oriented (like for a game). Keiko is a long-term process.

試合前の特訓 (Special training before a match).

稽古 vs 実習 (Jisshū)

Both involve 'practical' learning.

Jisshū is practical training for a job, like a nursing internship. Keiko is for traditional arts.

教育実習 (Teaching internship).

稽古 vs 復習 (Fukushū)

Both involve repetition.

Fukushū specifically means 'reviewing' what was already taught in school. Keiko is the act of training itself.

漢字の復習 (Reviewing kanji).

Structures de phrases

[Art] の稽古があります。

空手の稽古があります。

[Art] の稽古に通っています。

ピアノの稽古に通っています。

先生に稽古をつけていただく。

先生に茶道の稽古をつけていただいた。

稽古を重ねて [Result]。

稽古を重ねて、ついに黒帯を取った。

稽古を通じて [Spiritual Growth]。

稽古を通じて、精神的な強さを養った。

稽古という [Metaphor]。

稽古という果てなき旅路を歩む。

Mixed

稽古不足で [Negative Outcome]。

稽古不足で試合に負けた。

Mixed

自主稽古に [Action]。

放課後、自主稽古に励む。

Famille de mots

Noms

稽古場 (Keikoba - Practice place)

稽古着 (Keikogi - Practice clothes)

お稽古 (Okeiko - Polite practice)

朝稽古 (Asageiko - Morning practice)

Verbes

稽古する (Keiko-suru - To practice)

Apparenté

練習 (Renshū)

道場 (Dōjō)

師匠 (Shishō)

弟子 (Deshi)

型 (Kata)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in the context of hobbies and traditional culture.

Erreurs courantes

Sakkā no keiko (Soccer practice) → Sakkā no renshū
Soccer is a modern sport, not a traditional Japanese art, so 'Keiko' is inappropriate.
Kanji no keiko (Kanji practice) → Kanji no renshū / benkyō
Practicing writing kanji for school is 'renshū' or 'benkyō'. Only use 'Keiko' if you are studying the art of calligraphy (Shodō).
Keiko o tsukeru (I give a lesson - said by student) → Keiko o ukeru / shite itadaku
'Keiko o tsukeru' is only for the teacher. A student should use 'ukeru' (receive).
Hinan keiko (Fire practice) → Hinan kunren
Emergency drills are 'kunren' (training/drill), not 'keiko' (artistic practice).
Keiko o benkyō suru (Study practice) → Keiko ni hagemu / Keiko o suru
You don't 'study' practice; you 'do' it or 'strive' in it.

Astuces

Use for Martial Arts

Always use 'Keiko' when talking about Karate, Kendo, Judo, or Aikido. It shows you understand the discipline involved.

Polite 'O'

Add 'o' to make it 'Okeiko' when talking about your hobbies to others. It sounds more cultured and polite.

Suru-Verb

Remember that 'Keiko' can be a noun or a verb. 'Keiko o suru' and 'Keiko-suru' are both acceptable.

Theater Rehearsals

If you are involved in a Japanese play, use 'Keiko' for rehearsals instead of the English loanword 'rehearsal'.

Avoid for Sports

Never use 'Keiko' for modern sports like soccer or baseball. Use 'Renshū' instead.

Keiko o Tsukeru

Use this phrase when a teacher is giving you a lesson. It’s a very natural and respectful expression.

Keiko-ba

The place where you practice is called a 'Keiko-ba' (practice hall) or a 'Dojo' for martial arts.

Think of the Past

Remember the kanji 'old' (古) to help you remember that Keiko is for 'old/traditional' things.

Traditional Arts

Use 'Keiko' for flower arrangement (Ikebana) or tea ceremony (Sado). These are the classic examples of Keiko.

Keiko vs Renshu

If there is a Sensei and a long history, use 'Keiko'. If it's just about getting better at a skill, use 'Renshu'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Kay-Ko'. 'Kay' likes 'Ko-ala' bears, so she 'practices' traditional dance with them. Or: 'K'onsider 'E'very 'I'nstruction 'K'arefully 'O'ver and over.

Association visuelle

Imagine a samurai standing in front of an 'old' (古) scroll, 'considering' (稽) the movements of his ancestors.

Word Web

Dojo Sensei Traditional Karate Tea Ceremony Calligraphy Discipline Kata

Défi

Try to use 'Keiko' in a sentence about a traditional hobby you have or would like to have, making sure to use 'suru' or 'ni iku' correctly.

Origine du mot

The term originates from ancient Chinese texts but was adopted into Japanese with a unique cultural meaning. The kanji 稽 (kei) means to think, investigate, or consider, and 古 (ko) means old or ancient.

Sens originel : To investigate the past to find a guide for the present.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

Always use 'Keiko' when referring to someone's traditional art to show respect for their discipline.

English speakers often use 'practice' for everything. Learning to distinguish 'Keiko' from 'Renshū' is a key step in sounding more native.

The 'Asa-geiko' of Sumo wrestlers is a popular tourist attraction. Zeami's 'Fushikaden' is a classic text on the philosophy of Noh Keiko. Martial arts movies often feature long montages of Keiko.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Martial Arts Dojo

稽古をお願いします
良い稽古でした
稽古を休まない
出稽古に行く

Traditional Music/Dance

お稽古に通う
三味線の稽古
お稽古着に着替える
稽古の成果

Theater Rehearsal

立ち稽古
通し稽古
舞台稽古
抜き稽古

Sumo

朝稽古
稽古場
ぶつかり稽古
猛稽古

General Hobbies

お稽古事
ピアノの稽古
お稽古の帰り
新しい稽古

Amorces de conversation

"何かお稽古事をされていますか？ (Do you do any traditional lessons?)"

"稽古は週に何回ありますか？ (How many times a week is your practice?)"

"稽古で一番大変なことは何ですか？ (What is the hardest thing about your practice?)"

"いつからその稽古を始めたんですか？ (When did you start that practice?)"

"稽古仲間はたくさんいますか？ (Do you have many practice friends?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日の稽古で学んだことを書いてください。 (Write about what you learned in today's practice.)

なぜ稽古を続けることが大切だと思いますか？ (Why do you think it's important to continue practice?)

理想の稽古場はどのような場所ですか？ (What kind of place is your ideal practice hall?)

稽古を通じて自分の性格はどう変わりましたか？ (How has your personality changed through practice?)

先生から言われた印象的な言葉を思い出してください。 (Recall an impressive word/advice from your teacher.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'Keiko' is not used for modern gym workouts or weightlifting. For that, you would use 'toreeningu' (トレーニング) or 'kin-tore' (筋トレ). Keiko implies a traditional art form.

While 'Okeiko' is frequently used by women to sound more refined, it is not exclusive to them. However, men are more likely to use the plain 'Keiko' in a dojo setting.

Yes, in the world of theater, 'Keiko' is the standard word for rehearsal. You'll hear terms like 'Tachi-geiko' (blocking) and 'Tōshi-geiko' (run-through).

Generally, no. Learning a language is 'benkyō' (study). However, if you are practicing a speech in a very formal, traditional way, you might occasionally hear it, but 'renshū' is much safer.

If you go to a formal lesson with a teacher, you can call it 'piano no keiko.' If you are just practicing at home by yourself, 'piano no renshū' is more common.

Sumo is considered a 'Shinji' (Shinto ritual) and a traditional art, not just a sport. Therefore, their training is always called 'Keiko' to respect its sacred history.

Yes, Keiko (written with different kanji like 恵子 or 慶子) is a very common female name in Japan, but it is unrelated to the word for practice.

It means 'lack of practice.' It is often used as an excuse for performing poorly in a match or a recital.

It means 'morning practice.' It is most famous in the context of Sumo wrestlers who start their training at dawn.

Yes, adding 'shimasu' makes it a verb. It is a common way to say 'I will practice.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes