tae kwon do
B1Formal / Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A modern Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on high, fast kicking techniques, often practiced as a sport or for self-defense.
A discipline and combat sport with a philosophical emphasis on developing moral character, self-control, and perseverance, in addition to physical fighting skills.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is often used metonymically to refer to the practice, the sport, or the cultural/philosophical system associated with it. It is a loanword from Korean.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling variants exist; 'taekwondo' (single word, no spaces) is increasingly standard in both regions, though 'tae kwon do' remains recognized. The British Taekwondo Council uses 'taekwondo'. American publications vary but 'taekwondo' is dominant.
Connotations
In both regions, connotations are of a modern, Olympic sport martial art. Slightly stronger association with children's extracurricular activities in the US.
Frequency
Equally recognizable in both dialects due to its status as an Olympic sport and global practice.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] practices/studies/teaches tae kwon do.[Subject] has a [belt colour] belt in tae kwon do.Tae kwon do originated in [Korea].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms, but expressions like 'the way of the foot and fist' reference its literal Korean meaning.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts like franchising dojangs or selling sports equipment.
Academic
Used in sports science, cultural studies, or history papers on modern martial arts.
Everyday
Common when discussing hobbies, sports, or children's activities.
Technical
Used with precise terminology regarding techniques (e.g., dollyo chagi), forms (poomsae), and rules (in Olympic sport context).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He has been taekwondoing since he was eight. (informal, rare)
- She used to taekwondo competitively. (informal, rare)
American English
- The kids are all into taekwondoing after school. (informal, rare)
- He taekwondos at the local YMCA. (informal, rare)
adverb
British English
- He moved taekwondo-style, with sharp, controlled kicks. (compound adjective/adverb)
- She bowed taekwondo-correctly. (informal, hyphenated)
American English
- He fought taekwondo-fast. (informal, hyphenated)
- The class ran taekwondo-intense. (informal, hyphenated)
adjective
British English
- The taekwondo event at the Olympics was thrilling.
- He follows a strict taekwondo regimen.
American English
- She won a taekwondo scholarship.
- The taekwondo community gathered for the seminar.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My son goes to tae kwon do on Tuesdays.
- She has a yellow belt in tae kwon do.
- I started learning tae kwon do to improve my fitness and confidence.
- The local sports centre offers taekwondo classes for adults and children.
- Taekwondo, which became an official Olympic sport in 2000, emphasizes speed and agility.
- After a decade of rigorous training, she finally earned her taekwondo black belt.
- The philosophical tenets of taekwondo, such as courtesy and indomitable spirit, are integral to its pedagogy beyond mere physical combat.
- Critics argue that the sportification of taekwondo has led to an over-reliance on electronic scoring systems, potentially altering its traditional techniques.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Tae' sounds like 'thigh' (used for kicks), 'kwon' sounds like 'con' as in 'conquer with the fist', and 'do' is the 'way' or 'path' – the path of using thigh and fist.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCIPLINE IS A PATH (the 'do' in tae kwon do).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as generic 'карате' (karate) or 'борьба' (wrestling). It is a specific system.
- The term is a direct transliteration; do not try to translate the Korean components 'tae', 'kwon', 'do' separately in normal speech.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'taekondo', 'tae kwando'.
- Incorrect capitalization: 'Tae Kwon Do' (often over-capitalized).
- Using it as a verb: 'I tae kwon do every week' (incorrect). Correct: 'I practice tae kwon do'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of tae kwon do?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It translates from Korean as 'the way of the foot and the fist' ('tae' = foot, 'kwon' = fist, 'do' = the way/path).
The single word 'taekwondo' is now the standard English spelling, though the three-word form 'tae kwon do' is still understood and used historically.
Yes, taekwondo became a full medal Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games.
While both are striking martial arts, taekwondo is Korean and emphasizes kicking techniques, high jumps, and fast spins. Karate is Japanese and often features more hand strikes, blocks, and a different philosophical foundation.