This page looks at Kung Fu terminology. It explores many of the basic Chinese words, terms and commands used in Kung Fu. For other martial arts words & commands (i.e. Japanese used in Karate), please visit the main Martial Arts Terminology section.
Related Pages
Important Kung Fu Words & Commands
- Begin – Kai Shi (pinyin: kāishǐ, simplified chinese: 开始)
- Block – Kwa
- Bow – Kow Tow (pinyin: kòutóu, simplified chinese: 叩头)
- Cheers (when drinking/celebrating) – Gan Bei (sounds like Gan Bay)
- Dodge – Seen
- Ear – Erduo
- Eye – Yan Jing
- Foot – Jiao
- Form or Routine – Taolu (pinyin: tàolù, simplified chinese: 套路). The first syllable “tao” should not be confused with “dao” which has different meaning, pronunciation and chinese written character
- Good – Hao (sounds like How). Very good is Hěn Hǎo (Hung How) and not good is Bù Hǎo (Boo How).
- Goodbye – Zai Jian (pinyin: zàijiàn, simplified chinese: 再见)
- Grab – Fong
- Head – Tou
- Hello – Ni Hao (pinyin: nǐ hǎo, simplified chinese: 你好). Sounds like Nee How.
- How Are You? – Ni Hao Ma
- I – Wa
- Instructor – Jiaolian (pinyin: jiàoliàn, simplified chinese: 教练)
- Kick – Ti (pinyin: tī, simplified chinese: 踢). Not to be confused with 腿 (pinyin: tuǐ) which means leg or foot
- Kung Fu School – Kwoon or Wu Guan
- Lateral Stomp Kick – Ce Chuai Tui
- Leg – Tui
- Life Force – Qi or Chi (pinyin: qì, simplified chinese: 气)
- Master – Shifu (pinyin: Shīfu, simplified chinese: 师父)
- Neck – Bo Zi
- No – Bù (Boo)
- Nose – Bi Zi
- Not Good – Bù Hǎo (Boo How)
- Punch – Quan
- Roundhouse Kick – Bian Tui (whipping leg kick)
- Salute – Gen Lai
- Side Kick – Ce Ti Tui
- Stomach (Belly) – Du Zi
- Student – Tu Di (túdì, 徒弟)
- Thank You – Xie Xie
- Very Good – Hěn Hǎo (Hung How)
- You – Ni or Nee
- You Are Welcome – Bu-ke-qi (literally means don’t act like a guest)
Wing Chun Kung Fu Terminology
References
- Wudang Kung Fu Bucuresti, http://www.wdkf.ro | https://www.facebook.com/wdkf.ro