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Definition of kiai
kiai
/kiːˈaɪ/
ki · ai
Plural:kiais
•Past Simple:kiaied
•Past Participle:kiaied
•Present Participle:kiaiing
kiai Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• interjection
1
A loud, vocalized exhalation or shout used to focus energy and project power during a martial arts strike.
Example
""Kiai!" the students shouted in unison as they lunged forward in their kata."
• noun
1
A short, loud shout or yell uttered by practitioners of Japanese martial arts when executing an attacking move.
Example
"The karate student let out a powerful kiai as she broke the wooden board, demonstrating perfect focus."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for kiai• verb
1
To utter a short, loud shout while performing a martial arts movement.
Example
"The instructor reminded the novice class to kiai forcefully on every punch to ensure proper breathing."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for kiai• Rhymes for kiai
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 気合 (kiai), composed of 'ki' (mind, spirit, energy) and 'ai', the stem of the verb 'au' (to unite, to join).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kiai. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 11, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kiai