黒帯(くろおび)

くろおび
noun
black belt
leisure
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(じゅうどう)の黒帯(くろおび)を持(も)っている。
I have a black belt in judo.
十年(じゅうねん)かけてやっと黒帯(くろおび)を取(と)った。
It took ten years to finally earn my black belt.
うちの部長(ぶちょう)は空手(からて)の黒帯(くろおび)で、社内(しゃない)では怖(こわ)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(しろおび) (white belt) is for beginners, and 黒帯(くろおび) signifies advanced level.

Common collocations

Usage

Can be used figuratively: 彼(かれ)は交渉(こうしょう)の黒帯(くろおび)だ (He's a black belt in negotiation). This figurative use conveys expert-level mastery.

Related Words

Related: 初段(しょだん) (first dan)
general
Added 2026.3.4 16:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14500/14938_kuroobi