It is widely believed that the Japanese word Jutsu (術) originates from manga works, such as Naruto, but the word Jutsu has a much older origin and carries many more meanings than you might imagine.
The word Jutsu has various meanings, and each context or 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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Meanings of the word Jutsu
The first meaning of this word is as we actually observe in the anime Naruto [ナルト], which are: technique, art, movement, skill, ability, motion. It is clear that it is related to something that is acquired and developed over time.
Before moving on, it is important to point out that the Japanese do not say Jutsu but rather Jyutsu; the sound is jyu (diu), not (ju). Listen to the excerpt from the anime (Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works):
Now that we understand the pronunciation of this word, let’s look at some examples of other Japanese words using these ideas of the concept of jyutsu.
- 技 (Gi): a noun that means technique, art, movement, skill, ability, motion.
- 学問 (Gakumon): Study, learning, knowledge, discipline, field of study.
In other words, as mentioned, it carries this idea of something that is acquired and can be performed.
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Jutsu means Method
Another common meaning for this word is the term: method. In other words, the way to do something, the means by which something is done. To illustrate, let’s show other Japanese words that refer to this meaning of the word.
- 方法 (houhou): Method, process, way, means, technique.
- 手だて (tedate): Means, way, method.
Jutsu means Plan
In addition to carrying these meanings of technique, method, and way of doing something, the word jutsu can also carry this concept of plan and strategy for executing 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 devise.
Jutsu means Stealth
This word can also be seen as having this meaning of stealth; however, it is worth noting 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 in, enter quietly, steal.
- 忍びの術 (Shinobi no jyuutsu): It is a rare noun that conveys the meaning of: Stealth techniques (and here, for example, there is ninjutsu)
- 忍術 (Ninjyutsu): As the name itself says (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 look at some Japanese words that use jutsu to express these phenomena.
- 魔術 (Majyutsu): Witchcraft, sorcery, black magic, 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 abilities 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 many times and even explained, but unlike how it was mentioned before, in Naruto it is something more mystical, related to powers, that is, it is something they use to externalize their powers, to bring them out.
The creator of Naruto was quite creative in developing the use of powers that utilize this term; for each style of power using jutsu, there is a different definition and way in which the character uses that same power.
- Names of Naruto characters with Meaning
- Dattebayo – The true meaning of Naruto’s speech
- Phrases in Japanese from Naruto
For example, 幻術 (Genjyutsu). In Naruto, genjyutsu are illusion techniques, or techniques of illusionism, where a character uses powers related to illusion, that is, they trap their opponent in their illusion techniques.
Another term used in Naruto is 体術 (Taijyutsu). In Naruto, Taijyutsu is using your fist, leg, body to create a fight with another ninja; it is 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 these curiosities? 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)?
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