banzai
Banzai (intj) means a Japanese cheer or war cry, roughly meaning "long live," shouted to express enthusiasm, celebrate a victory, or (historically) launch an attack. Example: “The crowd shouted "Banzai!" as the emperor's motorcade passed.”
How to use banzai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Japanese cheer of celebration or defiance — like shouting "hooray!" — historically also used as a battle cry.
Word forms
more banzai comparative, banzaied past tense, banzais singular, most banzai superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crowd shouted "_____!" as the emperor's motorcade passed.
Etymology
From Japanese 万歳 (banzai), literally "ten thousand years [of life]," borrowed centuries earlier from Chinese — originally a wish for the emperor's long life, later a general cheer of triumph.
Rhymes for banzai
See all rhymes for banzai →Frequently asked questions
What does “banzai” mean?
The word “banzai” means a Japanese cheer or war cry, roughly meaning "long live," shouted to express enthusiasm, celebrate a victory, or (historically) launch an attack. In plain terms, a Japanese cheer of celebration or defiance — like shouting "hooray!" — historically also used as a battle cry.
How do you pronounce “banzai”?
“Banzai” is pronounced bahn-ZEYE (/ˈbɑːnˈzaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “banzai” in a sentence?
Here is “banzai” used in a sentence: “The crowd shouted "Banzai!" as the emperor's motorcade passed.”
What part of speech is “banzai”?
Depending on how it is used, “banzai” can be an intj and an adjective.
Where does the word “banzai” come from?
The word “banzai” comes from Chinese. From Japanese 万歳 (banzai), literally "ten thousand years [of life]," borrowed centuries earlier from Chinese — originally a wish for the emperor's long life, later a general cheer of triumph.
How many meanings does “banzai” have?
“Banzai” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Japanese cheer or war cry, roughly meaning "long live," shouted to express enthusiasm, celebrate a victory, or (historically) launch an attack.
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