Definitions

(adjective) martial; military
(noun) military force; martial prowess

Etymology

Depicts marching () with a weapon ().

About

The character "武" derives from a structural combination of the components for "stop" (止) and "weapon" (戈), an etymology that points to an early understanding of martial power as inherently connected to the restraint or resolution of violence. This initial conceptual linkage, where military force was ideally exercised to establish peace, gradually evolved to prioritize the more direct associations with warfare, military strategy, and physical combat proficiency. While its graphic form has remained consistent, preserving the visible interplay between these two elements, the semantic focus shifted over centuries to center on the attributes and activities of the martial and military domains.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

术能强身健体。

Wǔshù néng qiángshēn jiàntǐ.

Martial arts can strengthen the body and improve health.

他的器非常先进。

Tā de wǔqì fēichāng xiānjìn.

His weapons are very advanced.

将们正在商议战略。

Wǔjiàng men zhèngzài shāngyì zhànlüè.

The military generals are discussing strategy.

这个决定似乎有些断。

Zhège juédìng sìhū yǒuxiē wǔduàn.

This decision seems somewhat arbitrary.

我们反对任何形式的力威胁。

Wǒmen fǎnduì rènhé xíngshì de wǔlì wēixié.

We oppose any form of threat of force.

那个国家正在秘密发展核器。

Nàge guójiā zhèngzài mìmì fāzhǎn héwǔqì.

That country is secretly developing nuclear weapons.

历史上不乏能文能的全才。

Lìshǐ shàng bùfá néng wén néng wǔ de quáncái.

History is not lacking in versatile talents skilled in both literary and military arts.

这支精锐部队已经全副装完毕。

Zhè zhī jīngruì bùduì yǐjīng quánfù wǔzhuāng wánbì.

This elite force has been fully armed and is ready.