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稽古 (けいこ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
practice ; training ; rehearsal
Used for disciplined practice in traditional arts (e.g., tea ceremony, flower arranging, dance), martial arts, or performing arts. Often implies a teacher-student relationship and regular sessions.
彼かれ は 毎まい 日にち 空から 手て の 稽けい 古こ を し て いる 。
He practices karate every day.
Written forms 稽けい 古こ Usage 87%
Standard kanji spelling for practice or training in traditional arts, martial arts, or performing arts.
けいこ Usage 11%
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji is not needed.
ケイコ Usage 2%
Similar words 練れん 習しゅう 練習 is general practice for skills, sports, or music. 稽古 is more formal and traditional, often used for arts like tea ceremony, flower arranging, or martial arts, and implies learning from a teacher.
訓くん 練れん 訓練 is systematic training or drill, often for physical or professional skills. 稽古 carries a cultural or artistic nuance and is less about regimented drills.
Etymology From the kanji 稽 (think, consider) and 古 (old), originally meaning to study ancient things. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word came to refer to disciplined practice in traditional arts.