noun
Uncommon
gi
gee
Gi (noun) means the loose-fitting uniform worn for martial arts such as judo or karate. Example: “She tied the belt of her gi before stepping onto the mat.”
noun
1
The loose-fitting uniform worn for martial arts such as judo or karate.
"She tied the belt of her gi before stepping onto the mat."
"Beginners at the judo club must wash their gi after every training session."
"He bought a new white gi because his old one had become too small."
"Attenders watched the Mad Max: Fury Road star, dressed in a blue gi, subdue his opponents and win all his matches. Hardy’s certificate of achievement was awarded to “Edward Hardy” – the actor’s real name."
— Danya Hajjaji, ‘Really nice guy’: Tom Hardy surprises competitors with entry and victory in martial arts contest (2022)
How to use gi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe traditional jacket-and-trousers uniform worn in judo, karate, and similar martial arts.
Common pairings
a karate gi
wear a gi
gi and belt
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Word forms
- Plural
- gis
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She tied the belt of her _____ before stepping onto the mat.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese gi ("clothing"), used in compounds like judogi and karategi.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “gi” mean?
The word “gi” means the loose-fitting uniform worn for martial arts such as judo or karate. In plain terms, the traditional jacket-and-trousers uniform worn in judo, karate, and similar martial arts.
How do you pronounce “gi”?
“Gi” is pronounced gee (/ɡiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “gi” in a sentence?
Here is “gi” used in a sentence: “She tied the belt of her gi before stepping onto the mat.”
What part of speech is “gi”?
“Gi” is a noun.
Where does the word “gi” come from?
The word “gi” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese gi ("clothing"), used in compounds like judogi and karategi.
Is “gi” a common word?
“Gi” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "gi" and a "dogi"?
"Gi" is a shortened, commonly used term for the loose-fitting uniform worn in martial arts, while "dogi" is the fuller Japanese term for the same type of training uniform; in casual English usage the two are essentially interchangeable.
Is a "gi" specific to judo, or is it used in other martial arts too?
A "gi" is worn across several martial arts, not just judo, including karate and other disciplines that use a similar loose-fitting uniform, though the exact cut and weight of the fabric can vary by art.
What are the main parts of a gi called?
A gi typically consists of a jacket and matching pants, both loose-fitting, along with a belt worn around the waist to secure the jacket and, in many martial arts, indicate rank.
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