Kyu Meaning in English

word

US

ˈkju

KYOO

UK

kjuː

KYOO

Definition

A 'kyu' is a ranking used in many Japanese martial arts, representing a beginner or intermediate level before black belt (dan) grades. Lower numbers mean higher levels among kyu ranks.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in martial arts (karate, judo, kendo, etc.). Not interchangeable with 'dan', which means black belt levels. Always written as 'kyu' and used as a noun (e.g., 'third kyu').

• Spanish: kyu (grado en artes marciales)
• Portuguese (BR): kyu (grau em artes marciais)
• Portuguese (PT): kyu (grau em artes marciais)
• Chinese (Simplified): 级（武道等级）
• Chinese (Traditional): 級（武道等級）
• Hindi: क्यु (मार्शल आर्ट्स में ग्रेड)
• Arabic: كيو (درجة في الفنون القتالية)
• Bengali: কিউ (র‌্যাঙ্ক)
• Russian: кю
• Japanese: 級（きゅう）
• Vietnamese: cấp (kyu)
• Korean: 급 (kyu)
• Turkish: kyu derecesi
• Urdu: کیو (درجہ)
• Indonesian: kyu

Example Sentences

He just got his green belt and is now a kyu.

basic

She is a third kyu in karate.

basic

A kyu rank comes before the black belt.

basic

Most kids start out as a high-number kyu and work their way down.

natural

After two years of practice, he advanced to first kyu.

natural

To get a black belt, you need to pass all the kyu levels first.

natural