Training with 稽古
稽古 means practice or training, especially in martial arts, performing arts, and other traditional disciplines.
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, 稽古 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・武術・技術などを習うこと。また、練習。
2. 芝居などで、本番前の練習。下げいこ。リハーサル。
3. 昔の書を読んで物の道理や故実を学ぶこと。学問。
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
Koto lessons with 稽古
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:
- 「いや… 稲子は琴の稽古があるといって昼前に勝手に出かけたよ」
- “No... Ineko said she had a koto lesson and went out on her own before noon.”
Training for a judo match with 稽古
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:
- 「おまえ試合の稽古するんだったら しばらく大和さんに会えなくなっちゃうんじゃない？ １か月くらい？」
- “When you're training for the match, won't you be unable to see Yamato for a while? For about a month.”