What Does Karate Mean in Japanese?

The word karate is a combination of two kanji (Chinese characters): kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means "empty hand." Adding the suffix "-dō" (pronounced "daw"), meaning "the way/path," karate-dō, implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications.

What is Japanese karate called?

Karate (空手, karate) literally means "empty hand". It is also sometimes called "the way of the empty hand" (空手道, karatedō). It was originally called 唐手 ("Chinese hand"), also pronounced 'karate'.

Why Japanese selected the term karate?

'Chinese Hand' became 'Empty Hand'. On October 25 in 1936 at 4 pm, a historical meeting was held with Okinawan masters, where they officially decided to change the name from 'Toudi' to 'Karate'. It was agreed that 'Karate' would be easier to market and promote in mainland Japan.