How to say 'Passive' or 'Defenselessness' in Japanese | 受け身

Wondering how to say 'Passive' or 'Defenselessness' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Passive or Defenselessness is 'Ukemi', written as 受け身 in Japanese.'Passive' or 'Defenselessness' in hiragana is うけみ.

word

受け身

Meaning

Passive, Defenselessness

Reading

うけみ

ukemi

Kanji

受Accept 身Body, Self

Explanation

The Japanese noun '受け身 (うけみ)' primarily means 'passive', referring to a state of being acted upon rather than acting. It is often used in contexts such as grammar (passive voice) or martial arts (a defensive stance). Additionally, it can imply a sense of defenselessness or vulnerability. Example sentences: He always takes a passive stance in arguments「彼はいつも議論で受け身だ」(かれはいつもぎろんでうけみだ). In judo, mastering the passive stance is crucial「柔道では受け身をマスターすることが重要だ」(じゅうどうではうけみをますたーすることがじゅうようだ).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Unknown

Kanji Grade

Frequency

4195

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 受け身

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

kanji

受

Meaning

kanji

身

Meaning

Body, Self

Hiragana in the Word 受け身

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

hiragana

け

Reading

Words Related to 受け身 Through the Kanji 受

These 16 Words contain the Kanji 受 as well.

word

受ける

Meaning

Receive, Undergo

word

受け取る

Meaning

Receive

word

受け入れる

Meaning

word

受け付ける

Meaning

Receive, Accept

word

受かる

Meaning

Pass

word

受け取り

Meaning

Receipt

word

受け持つ

Meaning

Handle

word

受験

Meaning

Exam, Application

word

受話器

Meaning

Receiver

word

引き受ける

Meaning

Accept, Undertake

word

受け止める

Meaning

Accept, Catch

word

受信

Meaning

Reception

word

受け付け

Meaning

Reception

word

受け継ぐ

Meaning

Inherit

word

受話

Meaning

Receiver

word

受診

Meaning

Consultation

Words Related to 受け身 Through the Kanji 身

These 16 Words contain the Kanji 身 as well.

word

身

Meaning

Body

word

自身

Meaning

Self

word

身体

Meaning

Body

word

出身

Meaning

Origin

word

刺身

Meaning

Sashimi

word

全身

Meaning

Whole body

word

身分

Meaning

Status

word

中身

Meaning

Contents

word

身近

Meaning

word

半身

Meaning

Half body

word

独身

Meaning

Single

word

心身

Meaning

Mind body

word

身長

Meaning

Height

word

身の回り

Meaning

Surroundings, Belongings

word

身なり

Meaning

Appearance

word

身振り

Meaning

Gesture

Learn the Word 受け身

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Ukemi' (受け身) mean?

'Ukemi' means 'Passive' or 'Defenselessness' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.