Training with 稽古

稽 means to consider or examine, and 古 means old. Together they point to learning by studying what earlier practitioners passed down.

Compared with the general word 練習(れんしゅう), 稽古(けいこ) is closely associated with training under an established tradition or teacher.

You will hear 稽古 for kendo, judo, karate, kabuki, noh, and tea ceremony. It can refer to a training session as well as the practice itself.

Dictionary Definition

1. 芸能(げいのう)・武術(ぶじゅつ)・技術(ぎじゅつ)などを習(なら)うこと。また、練習(れんしゅう)。

2. 芝居(しばい)などで、本番(ほんばん)前(まえ)の練習(れんしゅう)。下(した)げいこ。リハーサル。

3. 昔(むかし)の書(しょ)を読(よ)んで物(もの)の道理(どうり)や故実(こじつ)を学(まな)ぶこと。学問(がくもん)。

1. To take lessons in performing arts, martial arts, technical skills, and similar fields. Also, training.

2. Rehearse before a performance of a play, etc. Rehearsal.

3. Reading old books to learn about the principles of things and historical facts. Study.

Goo Dictionary

Examples

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Koto lessons with 稽古

Vocabulary Explanation: Training with 稽古 (Future entry)

Hired to confirm whether a client’s wife is having an affair, Kogoro reveals a candid photo he took of the wife with another man. The client mentions he let his staff take a break so they wouldn’t know about Kogoro’s visit. Kogoro asks if that includes the client’s wife.

伝次郎(でんじろう):

「いや…　稲子(いねこ)は琴(こと)の稽古(けいこ)があるといって昼前(ひるまえ)に勝手(かって)に出(で)かけたよ」

“No... Ineko said she had a koto lesson and went out on her own before noon.”

Training for a judo match with 稽古

Vocabulary Explanation: Training with 稽古 (Future entry)

Members of the judo team plea for Takeo to help them in their upcoming match against a rival high school. Takeo quickly accepts their request, but Sunakawa considers how this will impact Takeo’s new relationship with Yamato.

砂川(すなかわ):

「おまえ試合(しあい)の稽古(けいこ)するんだったら　しばらく大和(やまと)さんに会えなくなっちゃうんじゃない？ １(いっ)か月(げつ)くらい？」

“When you're training for the match, won't you be unable to see Yamato for a while? For about a month.”