弓
Meanings
1
The weapon used to shoot arrows. The reading ゆ is usually a prefix in compounds (e.g., 弓矢 ゆみや).
He drew his bow and released an arrow.
2
Only with reading ゆみ
The practice or sport of shooting with a bow. Restricted to the reading ゆみ.
I learned archery in high school.
3
Only with reading ゆみ
The stick with horsehair used to play string instruments. Restricted to the reading ゆみ.
Apply rosin to the violin bow.
Usage patterns
- 弓で〈物〉を射るto shoot something with a bow
He shot the target with a bow.
- 弓を習うto learn archery
My daughter has been learning archery since last year.
- 弓で〈物〉を弾くto play an instrument with a bow
She played the violin with a bow.
- 弓を構えるto take up a bow in ready position
He readied his bow and aimed at the target.
- 弓の腕を上げるto improve one's archery skill
He practiced every day and improved his archery skill.