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Banzai Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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banzai

[bษ‘nหˆzaษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

Japanese battle cry

Banzai is a Japanese term that translates to 'ten thousand years' and is often used as a battle cry. It is commonly chanted to express enthusiasm or to rally troops, symbolizing good luck and triumph.

Synonyms

cheers, hurrah, long live.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers shouted banzai as they charged into battle.
  • During the celebration, everyone raised their glasses and yelled banzai.
  • The team raced towards the finish line, chanting banzai.
Context #2 | Verb

to celebrate

To banzai means to jump in excitement or to celebrate exuberantly. It reflects a spirit of joy and celebration, often accompanying traditional festivities.

Synonyms

celebrate, exult, rejoice.

Examples of usage

  • They banzai'd when they heard the good news.
  • The children banzai during the festival.
  • He banzai'd after winning the game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Japan, itโ€™s common to yell 'banzai!' during festive occasions, such as weddings or New Year celebrations.
  • The phrase embodies a spirit of gratitude and good fortune, enhancing communal joy during celebrations.

Military History

  • During World War II, Japanese soldiers shouted 'banzai' before charging into battle, symbolizing bravery and a determined spirit.
  • The tactic of 'banzai charges' involved overwhelming assaults by soldiers despite overwhelming odds, reflecting their fervent commitment.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in numerous films, often representing Japanese culture or used humorously in Western contexts.
  • In video games, characters may shout 'banzai!' to convey enthusiasm or morale during gameplay.

Global Influence

  • The term has been adopted in some English-speaking countries, sometimes used in a playful or exaggerated context.
  • Events like martial arts competitions may feature the shout to energize participants and audiences alike.

Origin of 'banzai'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Japanese 'ไธ‡ๆญณ' (banzai), which means 'ten thousand years,' often used to wish long life.
  • It was historically shouted as a cheer in Imperial Japan, particularly when celebrating victories or important events.

The term 'banzai' originated from the Japanese language, where 'banzai' (ไธ‡ๆญณ) is written with the characters meaning 'ten thousand years'. It was historically used as a celebratory shout, particularly in military contexts, signifying a wish for longevity and victory. The phrase became popular in the early 20th century among Japanese military forces, especially during World War II. Its usage has evolved over decades, becoming associated with festive celebrations and public events, symbolizing joy and enthusiasm. In contemporary usage, 'banzai' is often heard in various cultural celebrations and festivities, both in Japan and abroad, illustrating its transformation from a military term to a symbol of celebration.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,953, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.