Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 文武両道
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
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。
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.
日本語で読む
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”).<br>• Often used in education and character evaluation.
日本語で読む
• 学問と武道・運動の両方に優れていることを示す「〜を極める」「〜を重んじる」（例：「文武両道を極めた生徒」）。<br>• 教育や人物評価で多く使われる。
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as “studying martial arts,” but it means excelling in both mental and physical fields.
日本語で読む
武道だけを学ぶ意味ではなく、知力と体力の両方を高めることを指す点に注意。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
彼は文武両道で成績も運動も優秀だ。
He excels both in academics and sports.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「文武両道」 mean?