弓(ゆみ)

ゆみ
noun
bow (weapon/instrument)
1. bow (archery weapon)
a weapon for shooting arrows, consisting of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material with a string stretched between its ends
弓(ゆみ)を引(ひ)く。
To draw a bow.
日本(にほん)の弓道(きゅうどう)では長(なが)い弓(ゆみ)を使(つか)う。
Long bows are used in Japanese kyudo (archery).
弓(ゆみ)と矢(や)をそろえる。
To prepare the bow and arrows.
2. bow (for string instruments)
a stick with horsehair stretched between its ends, used to play string instruments like violin
バイオリンの弓(ゆみ)を松脂(まつやに)で手入(てい)れする。
To apply rosin to the violin bow.

弓(ゆみ) refers to the weapon used for shooting arrows, or the bow used to play string instruments. The archery meaning is far more common.

READINGS:

  • 弓(ゆみ): standalone word
  • きゅう: in compounds (弓道(きゅうどう), 弓術(きゅうじゅつ), 洋弓(ようきゅう))

CULTURAL NOTE:
Japanese archery (弓道(きゅうどう)) uses asymmetric longbows (和弓(わきゅう)) that are among the tallest in the world, approximately 2 meters. 弓道(きゅうどう) emphasizes spiritual discipline and form, not just accuracy.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 弓(ゆみ)を引(ひ)く: to draw a bow
  • 弓(ゆみ)と矢(や): bow and arrow
  • 弓(ゆみ)を射(い)る: to shoot a bow

RELATED TERMS:

  • 弓道(きゅうどう): Japanese archery ("the way of the bow")
  • 矢(や): arrow
  • 的(まと): target
  • 洋弓(ようきゅう): Western archery
  • 弓術(きゅうじゅつ): archery technique (older term)

Related Words

Related: 矢(や) (arrow)
general
Added 2026.1.27 9:58 · Revised 2026.4.20 16:13
08000/08430_yumi