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Where does the word "banzai" come from? It comes from Japanese banzai, and was adopted directly into English (1940s).
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Where does the word "banzai" come from? It comes from Japanese banzai, and was adopted directly into English (1940s).
Banzai’s story begins in Japanese: banzai meant “a shout of celebration or long life.” Literally 'ten thousand years', a traditional cheer wishing long life to the emperor. It reached English by 1940s as banzai. Entered wartime English describing Japanese soldiers' charging cry. Today, banzai means a Japanese cheer of celebration, or (in English) a reckless headlong charge.
- Stage 1 · Japanese · ancient banzai "a shout of celebration or long life", literally 'ten thousand years', a traditional cheer wishing long life to the emperor.
- Stage 2 · English · 1940s banzai "a reckless, all-out charge or cheer", entered wartime English describing Japanese soldiers' charging cry.