List of Kung Fu & Wushu Words, Commands & Terminology

Here are many of the basic Chinese words, terms and commands used in Kung Fu (Wushu). For other martial arts words & commands (i.e. Japanese used in Karate), please visit the main Martial Arts Terminology section.

Other Chinese Terminology Pages

• Kung Fu Numbers - How to count in Mandarin and Cantonese.
• Cantonese Names of Body Parts - Chinese Martial Arts
• Mandarin Names of Body Parts - Chinese Martial Arts

Important Kung Fu (Wushu) Words & Commands

• Begin - Kai Shi (pinyin: kāishǐ, simplified chinese: 开始)
• Block - Kwa
• Bow - Kow Tow (pinyin: kòutóu, simplified chinese: 叩头)
• Cheers (when drinking/celebrating) - Gan Bei
• Dodge - Seen
• Ear - Erduo
• Eye - Yan Jing
• Foot - Jiao
• Form or Routine - Taolu (pinyin: tàolù, simplified chinese: 套路). The first syllable "tao" should not be confused with "dao" which has different meaning, pronunciation and chinese written character
• Good - Hao (sounds like How). Very good is Hěn Hǎo (Hung How) and not good is Bù Hǎo (Boo How).
• Goodbye - Zai Jian (pinyin: zàijiàn, simplified chinese: 再见)
• Grab - Fong
• Head - Tou
• Hello - Ni Hao (pinyin: nǐ hǎo, simplified chinese: 你好). Sounds like Nee How.
• How Are You? - Ni Hao Ma
• I - Wa
• Instructor - Jiaolian (pinyin: jiàoliàn, simplified chinese: 教练)
• Kick - Ti (pinyin: tī, simplified chinese: 踢). Not to be confused with 腿 (pinyin: tuǐ) which means leg or foot
• Kung Fu School - Kwoon or Wu Guan
• Lateral Stomp Kick - Ce Chuai Tui
• Leg - Tui
• Life Force - Qi or Chi (pinyin: qì, simplified chinese: 气)
• Master - Shifu (pinyin: Shīfu, simplified chinese: 师父)
• Neck - Bo Zi
• No - Bù (Boo)
• Nose - Bi Zi
• Not Good - Bù Hǎo (Boo How)
• Punch - Quan
• Roundhouse Kick - Bian Tui (whipping leg kick)
• Salute - Gen Lai
• Side Kick - Ce Ti Tui
• Stomach (Belly) - Du Zi
• Student - Tu Di (túdì, 徒弟)
• Thank You - Xie Xie
• Very Good - Hěn Hǎo (Hung How)
• You - Ni or Nee
• You Are Welcome - Bu-ke-qi (literally means don't act like a guest)

1. Wudang Kung Fu Bucuresti, http://www.wdkf.ro | https://www.facebook.com/wdkf.ro, Added - 03/16/14