Japanese meaning of 文武両道
Reading:
ぶんぶりょうどう (bunbu ryou dou)
English Translation:
Being accomplished in both literary and military arts
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Balanced cultivation of intellect and physical/martial discipline—being accomplished “in mind and body,” not as dabbling but as sustained dual mastery.
Cultural Context:
Rooted in samurai ideals (bushidō) and Confucian education; today a school motto and hiring praise for people excelling in academics and athletics/clubs.
知性と身体（武・運動）の双方を継続的に鍛え、高水準で両立させること。「二兎追い」ではなく二領域の本格的両立。
武士道や儒学教育の理念に淵源。現代では校訓・採用文脈で、学業と運動・部活動双方に秀でた人物への称賛語として使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を極める” or “を重んじる” to describe excelling in both academics and physical pursuits (“文武両道を極めた生徒”).
• Often used in education and character evaluation.
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as “studying martial arts,” but it means excelling in both mental and physical fields.
Example
Basic Example
彼は文武両道で成績も運動も優秀だ。
He excels both in academics and sports.
Applied Example
剣道部のキャプテンであり生徒会長、まさに文武両道のヒーローだ。
The kendo captain and student council president is truly a hero accomplished in both literary and martial arts.