Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Traditional · Arts
弓道は、ただ的に当てるだけが目的ではないと伺いました。 — I've heard that kyudo isn't just about hitting the target. (Cultural · Traditional · Arts, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
弓道は、ただ的に当てるだけが目的ではないと伺いました。
きゅうどうは、ただまとにあてるだけがもくてきではないとうかがいました。
I've heard that kyudo isn't just about hitting the target.
Romaji: Kyuudou wa, tada mato ni ateru dake ga mokuteki de wa nai to ukagaimashita. / Reply Romaji: Sou desu ne. Shisei to kokorogamae, sono subete ga taisetsu desu.
Reply
そうですね。姿勢と心構え、その全てが大切です。
そうですね。しせいとこころがまえ、そのすべてがたいせつです。
That's right. Posture and mindset — all of it matters.
Gesture & etiquette
Calm, respectful tone. Stand still while listening. If observing kyudo practice, maintain absolute silence — practitioners' concentration is sacred. Slow nod when receiving explanation. A small bow (15 degrees) afterward to thank them for sharing.
Kyudo (Japanese archery) emphasizes 'shahou hassetsu' — the eight stages of shooting form — as much as accuracy. The philosophy 'shin-zen-bi' (truth, goodness, beauty) holds that correct form will naturally lead to hitting the target. A practitioner's stance, breathing, and mental focus matter as much as the arrow's path. Showing knowledge of this philosophy invites deeper conversation with kyudo practitioners.