忍び

Japanese

Kanji in this term
忍
しの Grade: S
kun'yomi

Alternative forms

• 忍

Etymology

The 連用形 (ren'yōkei, “continuative or stem form”) of the verb 忍ぶ (shinobu, “to put up with, to bear quietly, to endure; to hide, to conceal oneself; to sneak, to move quietly and secretly”).

Pronunciation

• (Tokyo) しのび [shìnóbí] (Heiban – [0])
• IPA^(key): [ɕino̞bʲi]

Noun

忍(しの)び • (shinobi) 

1. the act of putting up with, enduring, bearing
2. a secret or private visit or meeting
3. sneaking; hiding
4. stealth
5. Clipping of 忍びの術 (shinobi no jutsu, “stealth technique”). Synonym of 忍術 (“ninjutsu”).
6. Clipping of 忍びの者 (shinobi no mono, “stealthy one”). Synonym of 忍者 (“ninja”).
7. a hidden knife or sword
8. a burglary

Usage notes

Although the spelling 忍 is also seen, 忍び with the okurigana seems to be the most common for this reading.

Synonyms

Synonyms

• (putting up with): 我慢(がまん) (gaman)
• (secret meeting): 密会(みっかい) (mikkai)
• (hidden knife or sword): 忍(しのび)刀(がたな) (shinobigatana)
• (burglary): 窃(せっ)盗(とう) (settō)