It is widely believed that the Japanese word Jutsu (術) has its origin in manga works, such as Naruto, but the word Jutsu has a much older origin and carries much more meaning than you can imagine.
The word Jutsu has various meanings, and each context and period will dictate a different idea of this word. It is worth noting that it is a word actually used within the Japanese language. In this article, we will present the main meanings of this word and how it can be interpreted in various ways.
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Jutsu word meanings
The first meaning of this word is as we actually observe in the anime Naruto [ナルト] which are precisely: technique, art, movement, skill, ability, motion. It is clear that it is directed towards something that is acquired, that develops over time.
Before moving forward, it's important to note that the Japanese do not say Jutsu but Jyutsu, the sound is jyu (diu) not (ju). Listen to the excerpt from the anime (Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works):
Understanding how the pronunciation of this word is, let's now see some examples of other Japanese words using these ideas from the concept of jyutsu.
- 技 (Gi): a noun meaning technique, art, movement, skill, ability, movement.
- 学問 (Gakumon): Study, learning, knowledge, discipline, field of learning.
That is, as mentioned, it carries this idea of something that is acquired, and is capable of being realized.
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Justsu means Method
Another common sense also for this word is the term: method. that is, the way of doing something, the means by which something is done. to illustrate, we are going to show other Japanese words that refer to this sense of this word.
- 方法 (houhou): Method, process, way, means, way, technique.
- 手だて (tedate): Means, way, method.
Justsu means Plan
In addition to carrying these senses of technique, method and way of doing something, the word jutsu can also carry this concept of plan and strategy to execute something.
To illustrate, let's look at some Japanese words that carry this meaning.
- 策略 (Sakuryaku): Scheme, tactic, trick, strategy.
- 謀 (Hakarigoto): Plan, strategy
- 企み (Takurami): to plan, to architect.
Jutsu means stealth
This word can also be seen having this sense of stealth, however, it is worth remembering that the context for it to be used this way is when talking about ninjas.
In Japanese it would be: 忍者などが用いる忍び込むための方法 : Ways that Ninjas, etc. use to sneak, enter quietly, steal.
- 忍びの術 (Shinobi no jyuutsu): It is a rare noun to be used that conveys the meaning of: Stealth techniques (and then there is, for example, ninjutsu)
- 忍術 (Ninjyutsu): As the name implies (Ninja Technique), that is, combat techniques, stealth, theft, sabotage, espionage, assassination, etc.
Phenomena that challenge what we know
The word Jutsu is also used to describe actions provoked that escape human intellect and knowledge, such as, for example, clairvoyance.
Let's see some Japanese words that use jutsu to express these phenomena.
- 魔術 (Majyutsu): Witchcraft, sorcery, black magic trick, juggling.
- 透視の術 (Toushi no Jyutsu): Clairvoyance
- 忍術 (Ninjyutsu): Ninja Techniques.
Yes, ninjutsu can also express this sense of something mystical, since for example in anime works like naruto it is used to describe mystical techniques and skills used by the characters in the work.
jutsu in naruto
I believe this word became popular precisely because of its appearance in the work of Masashi Kishimoto. Naruto is an anime in which this term is used several times and even explained, but unlike how it was mentioned before, in Naruto it is something more mystical, geared towards powers, that is, it is something that they use to externalize their powers, to bring them out.
The creator of Naruto was quite creative in developing the use of the powers that utilize this term; for each style of power using jutsu, there is a different definition and way in which the character uses this same power.
- Names of Naruto Characters with Meaning
- Dattebayo - The true meaning of Naruto's speech
- Japanese phrases from Naruto
For example, the 幻術 (Genjyutsu). In Naruto, genjyutsu are illusionary techniques, or techniques of illusionism, where a character uses powers related to illusion, meaning they trap their opponent in their illusion techniques.
Another term used in Naruto is 体術 (Taijyutsu). In Naruto, Taijyutsu is to use your fist, leg, body to create a combat with another ninja; it's interesting to remember that the first kanji of this word means (体) body. In other words, a technique that uses your body.
What did you think of this trivia? Did you enjoy it? Share it with your friends. Also, leave in the comments if you know any other word that uses the term (Jyutsu)?