karate
/kəˈrɑː.ti/
Japanese Origin
Martial Arts
Original Word
空手
Kanji (karate)
Entered English
1950s
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "karate"
From Japanese 'karate' (空手), literally 'empty hand'. Originally from Okinawa, it developed as a weaponless form of self-defense. Gained worldwide popularity through martial arts films.
Example Usage
"He earned his black belt in karate after years of training."