1.
black belt
The black-colored belt worn by advanced practitioners of martial arts such as judo, karate, and kendo. Also used figuratively to describe someone who is highly skilled in a particular area.
柔道の黒帯を持っている。
I have a black belt in judo.
十年かけてやっと黒帯を取った。
It took ten years to finally earn my black belt.
うちの部長は空手の黒帯で、社内では怖がられている。
Our department head holds a black belt in karate and is feared within the company.
In Japanese martial arts, belt colors indicate rank. 白帯 (white belt) is for beginners, and 黒帯 signifies advanced level.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 黒帯を取る (to earn a black belt)
- 黒帯を持つ (to hold a black belt)
- 黒帯保持者 (black belt holder)
USAGE NOTE:
Can be used figuratively: 彼は交渉の黒帯だ (He's a black belt in negotiation). This figurative use conveys expert-level mastery.