DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Kendoist, Kenshi, what to call practitioners.

**costamarianavia** · 09-18-2006, 07:25 PM

You do not use kendoist.

If you see a kendo sensei in the dressing/locker room, it's common to greet him casually saying, "Kawaii" while pointing at his nether regions.

Indeed. But keep in mind, it's only appropriate while in the presence of your senpai.

Keep in mind that I don't speak a whole lot of Japanese, (Just key-words, and maybe a phrase here and there, but that's about it.) but from what I understand, this is how it goes:

Kendoist is a term used only in English speaking countries. It's usually used when talking to people who don't know much about Japanese culture. It makes things easier. If you tell someone that you're a kendo-ka or a kenshi, chances are they'll be like, "Huh? What does that mean?"
But if you tell them that you're a kendoist, they'll understand that you're someone who does kendo, even if they have no idea of what Kendo actually is. It saves the time in explaining that you're a practitioner of the art.

Kendo-ka is pretty much the Japanese equivalent to Kendoist. The -ka suffix means that you're a practioner of something. If you practice kendo, then you are a kendo-ka. If you draw manga, you're a manga-ka. It doesn't matter if it's your occupation or not.

Kenshi is the Japanese equivalent to Swordsmen. So even an Iaido-ka can be called a kenshi. I think.

Just out of curiosity, who's gotten offended over this? I've never seen it brought up before.

09-18-2006, 07:25 PM	#11
costamarianavia Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 422 Senior Member	You do not use kendoist. If you see a kendo sensei in the dressing/locker room, it's common to greet him casually saying, "Kawaii" while pointing at his nether regions. Indeed. But keep in mind, it's only appropriate while in the presence of your senpai. Keep in mind that I don't speak a whole lot of Japanese, (Just key-words, and maybe a phrase here and there, but that's about it.) but from what I understand, this is how it goes: Kendoist is a term used only in English speaking countries. It's usually used when talking to people who don't know much about Japanese culture. It makes things easier. If you tell someone that you're a kendo-ka or a kenshi, chances are they'll be like, "Huh? What does that mean?" But if you tell them that you're a kendoist, they'll understand that you're someone who does kendo, even if they have no idea of what Kendo actually is. It saves the time in explaining that you're a practitioner of the art. Kendo-ka is pretty much the Japanese equivalent to Kendoist. The -ka suffix means that you're a practioner of something. If you practice kendo, then you are a kendo-ka. If you draw manga, you're a manga-ka. It doesn't matter if it's your occupation or not. Kenshi is the Japanese equivalent to Swordsmen. So even an Iaido-ka can be called a kenshi. I think. Just out of curiosity, who's gotten offended over this? I've never seen it brought up before.
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