忍者を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、忍者に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報は以下の通りです。
- 歴史:
- 忍者は、主に15世紀から17世紀にかけて日本で活躍した秘密工作員や戦士のこと
- 情報収集や破壊工作、暗殺などを行っていた
- 忍術:
- 忍者が使う特別な技術の総称で、隠密行動、変装、戦闘技術などが含まれる
- 伊賀忍者と甲賀忍者の違い:
- 伊賀忍者（現在の三重県）は、隠密行動や諜報活動に優れていた
- 甲賀忍者（現在の滋賀県）は、直接戦闘や毒、罠の使用に特化していた
- 観光資源としての忍者:
- 伊賀流忍者博物館や甲賀流忍者屋敷などの施設では、忍者の歴史や技術を学べる
- 忍者ショーや体験型プログラムも多くの観光客に人気
- 外国人に人気の理由:
- 映画、アニメ、漫画などのポップカルチャーを通じて、世界中で人気がある
2人が忍者について話しています。
忍者の歴史や活動、忍術、伊賀忍者と甲賀忍者の違い、忍者関連の観光地や体験施設、外国人に人気の理由などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, did you know that ninjas are really popular among foreigners?
Yeah, I’ve noticed that. It’s fascinating how much interest there is in ninjas. What makes them so appealing, do you think?
Well, ninjas have a unique and exotic history. They were like secret agents in ancient Japan, active mainly during the 15th to 17th centuries. They specialized in espionage, sabotage, and even assassinations.
That’s interesting. They must have had some special skills, right?
Absolutely. They trained in “ninjutsu,” which included skills like stealth, disguise, and combat techniques. They were also great at escaping and using various tools and weapons.
I heard there were different types of ninjas. Is that true?
Yes, there were two main groups: Iga ninjas from Mie Prefecture and Koka ninjas from Shiga Prefecture. Iga ninjas were experts in stealth and espionage, while Koka ninjas focused more on direct combat and used poisons and traps.
Wow, I didn’t know that. Do people still learn about ninjas today?
Definitely. There are museums and attractions like the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Koka Ninja House where you can learn about their history and even try out some ninja skills. These places are very popular with tourists.
That sounds fun. Why do you think ninjas are so popular with foreigners?
I think it’s because ninjas are often featured in movies, TV shows, and anime. Shows like “Naruto” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” have made ninjas famous worldwide. Plus, their skills and mysterious lifestyle are really intriguing.
I agree. Have you ever been to one of those ninja museums?
Not yet, but I’d love to visit. I hear you can see ninja weapons and tools, watch ninja shows, and even try on ninja costumes. It sounds like a great experience.
That does sound cool. Maybe we should plan a trip together. It would be fun to learn more about ninjas and see those places.
Absolutely! I also read that there are festivals like the Iga Ueno Ninja Festa where you can watch ninja performances and participate in activities. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in ninja culture.
That would be amazing. I think learning about ninjas through these experiences would be really exciting.
For sure. It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun. Let’s make it happen soon.
I’m in. Let’s start planning our ninja adventure!
関連情報 / related information
「忍者」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
忍者
History of Ninjas
Ninjas were secret agents and warriors in Japan, active mainly from the 15th to 17th centuries. They were known for their stealth and special skills. Ninjas worked for powerful lords, gathering information, sabotaging enemy plans, and sometimes performing assassinations. They were essential for espionage and secret missions.
Ninjutsu Skills
Ninjutsu is the art of ninja skills. This included stealth, disguise, escape techniques, and combat skills. Ninjas also used special tools and weapons. They trained very hard to master these techniques, which helped them complete their secret missions successfully.
Types of Ninjas
There were two main groups of ninjas: Iga ninjas and Koka ninjas. Iga ninjas came from what is now Mie Prefecture. They were experts in stealth and espionage. Koka ninjas, from present-day Shiga Prefecture, were more focused on direct combat and used poisons and traps.
Modern Ninja Tourism
Today, ninjas are a popular part of Japanese culture and tourism. Museums like the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Koka Ninja House attract many visitors. These places offer ninja shows, exhibits, and even hands-on ninja training. Tourists can learn about ninja history and try out ninja skills.
Global Popularity
Ninjas are famous worldwide, partly due to movies, anime, and manga. Popular shows like “Naruto” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” feature ninjas, making them well-known and loved by people around the world. This global interest brings many tourists to Japan to learn more about ninjas.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「忍者」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is a ninja?
A ninja was a secret agent and warrior in Japan, active mainly during the 15th to 17th centuries. They specialized in espionage, sabotage, and stealthy operations.
2: What does "ninjutsu" mean?
Ninjutsu refers to the art of ninja skills, including stealth, disguise, escape techniques, and combat. It is the set of skills that ninjas trained in to carry out their missions.
3: Where were the two main groups of ninjas from?
The two main groups of ninjas were from Iga (in present-day Mie Prefecture) and Koka (in present-day Shiga Prefecture). Each group had its own specialized techniques.
4: What were Iga ninjas known for?
Iga ninjas were known for their expertise in stealth and espionage. They were highly skilled at gathering information without being detected.
5: What were Koka ninjas known for?
Koka ninjas were known for their skills in direct combat and their use of poisons and traps. They focused on more aggressive tactics.
6: Why are ninjas popular in modern times?
Ninjas are popular today because they are featured in movies, TV shows, and anime, such as "Naruto" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Their mysterious and skilled nature fascinates people around the world.
7: What is the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum?
The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum is a museum in Iga, Japan, where visitors can learn about the history of ninjas, see ninja tools, and watch ninja performances.
8: How did ninjas contribute to Japanese history?
Ninjas contributed to Japanese history by serving as spies and assassins for powerful lords. They helped in gathering intelligence, disrupting enemy plans, and carrying out covert operations.
9: What is "stealth" in the context of ninjas?
Stealth refers to the ability to move or act quietly and undetected. For ninjas, stealth was a key skill that allowed them to complete missions without being noticed.
10: Can tourists experience ninja activities today?
Yes, tourists can experience ninja activities today at various museums and attractions in Japan. These include ninja training experiences, shows, and exhibits where people can learn about ninja history and skills.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, did you know that ninjas are really popular among foreigners?
ねぇキー、外国人の間で忍者がとても人気があるって知ってた？
Yeah, I’ve noticed that. It’s fascinating how much interest there is in ninjas. What makes them so appealing, do you think?
うん、それは気づいてたよ。忍者に対する興味がこんなにあるのはすごいよね。何がそんなに魅力的なんだろう？
Well, ninjas have a unique and exotic history. They were like secret agents in ancient Japan, active mainly during the 15th to 17th centuries. They specialized in espionage, sabotage, and even assassinations.
忍者はユニークでエキゾチックな歴史を持ってるからね。古代日本の秘密工作員のような存在で、主に15世紀から17世紀にかけて活動してたんだ。諜報活動、破壊工作、さらには暗殺を専門にしてたんだよ。
That’s interesting. They must have had some special skills, right?
それは興味深いね。特別な技能を持っていたんだろう？
Absolutely. They trained in “ninjutsu,” which included skills like stealth, disguise, and combat techniques. They were also great at escaping and using various tools and weapons.
その通り。「忍術」と呼ばれる技能を訓練していて、隠密行動や変装、戦闘技術なんかが含まれてたんだ。逃げるのもうまかったし、いろんな道具や武器も使いこなしてたんだよ。
I heard there were different types of ninjas. Is that true?
忍者にはいろんなタイプがあったって聞いたことがあるけど、それは本当？
Yes, there were two main groups: Iga ninjas from Mie Prefecture and Koka ninjas from Shiga Prefecture. Iga ninjas were experts in stealth and espionage, while Koka ninjas focused more on direct combat and used poisons and traps.
うん、主に二つのグループがあって、三重県の伊賀忍者と滋賀県の甲賀忍者が有名なんだ。伊賀忍者は隠密行動と諜報活動の専門家で、甲賀忍者は直接戦闘と毒や罠を使うことに特化してたんだ。
Wow, I didn’t know that. Do people still learn about ninjas today?
へぇ、それは知らなかったよ。今でも忍者について学んでいる人はいるの？
Definitely. There are museums and attractions like the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Koka Ninja House where you can learn about their history and even try out some ninja skills. These places are very popular with tourists.
もちろん。伊賀流忍者博物館や甲賀忍者屋敷みたいな博物館や観光名所があって、そこで忍者の歴史を学んだり、実際に忍者の技能を体験したりできるんだ。これらの場所は観光客にとても人気があるよ。
That sounds fun. Why do you think ninjas are so popular with foreigners?
それは楽しそうだね。なんで忍者がそんなに外国人に人気があると思う？
I think it’s because ninjas are often featured in movies, TV shows, and anime. Shows like “Naruto” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” have made ninjas famous worldwide. Plus, their skills and mysterious lifestyle are really intriguing.
映画やテレビ番組、アニメでよく取り上げられるからだと思う。「ナルト」や「ティーンエイジ・ミュータント・ニンジャ・タートルズ」みたいな番組が忍者を世界中で有名にしたんだ。それに、彼らの技能と神秘的な生活様式が本当に魅力的だからね。
I agree. Have you ever been to one of those ninja museums?
そうだね。忍者博物館には行ったことある？
Not yet, but I’d love to visit. I hear you can see ninja weapons and tools, watch ninja shows, and even try on ninja costumes. It sounds like a great experience.
まだ行ったことはないけど、ぜひ行きたいと思ってる。忍者の武器や道具を見たり、忍者ショーを観たり、忍者のコスチュームを試着したりできるらしいんだ。素晴らしい体験になりそうだよ。
That does sound cool. Maybe we should plan a trip together. It would be fun to learn more about ninjas and see those places.
それは本当に面白そうだね。一緒に旅行の計画を立てたらどうかな。忍者についてもっと学んだり、その場所を見たりするのは楽しいと思うよ。
Absolutely! I also read that there are festivals like the Iga Ueno Ninja Festa where you can watch ninja performances and participate in activities. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in ninja culture.
そうだね！伊賀上野NINJAフェスタみたいなフェスティバルもあるって読んだんだ。そこでは忍者のパフォーマンスを見たり、アクティビティに参加したりできるんだ。忍者文化に浸るのに最適だよ。
That would be amazing. I think learning about ninjas through these experiences would be really exciting.
それは素晴らしいね。こうした体験を通じて忍者について学ぶのは本当にエキサイティングだと思う。
For sure. It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun. Let’s make it happen soon.
間違いないね。歴史、文化、楽しさの完璧なミックスだよ。すぐに実現しよう。
I’m in. Let’s start planning our ninja adventure!
もちろん。さっそく忍者冒険の計画を始めよう！
関連情報 / related information
忍者
History of Ninjas
Ninjas were secret agents and warriors in Japan, active mainly from the 15th to 17th centuries. They were known for their stealth and special skills. Ninjas worked for powerful lords, gathering information, sabotaging enemy plans, and sometimes performing assassinations. They were essential for espionage and secret missions.
忍者は日本の秘密工作員や戦士で、主に15世紀から17世紀にかけて活躍しました。彼らは隠密行動と特別な技能で知られていました。忍者は強力な領主のために働き、情報を集め、敵の計画を妨害し、時には暗殺も行いました。彼らは諜報活動や秘密任務に欠かせない存在でした。
Ninjutsu Skills
Ninjutsu is the art of ninja skills. This included stealth, disguise, escape techniques, and combat skills. Ninjas also used special tools and weapons. They trained very hard to master these techniques, which helped them complete their secret missions successfully.
忍術は忍者の技能の芸術です。これには隠密行動、変装、脱出技術、戦闘技能が含まれます。忍者は特別な道具や武器も使用しました。彼らはこれらの技術を習得するために非常に厳しい訓練を受け、秘密任務を成功させるために役立てました。
Types of Ninjas
There were two main groups of ninjas: Iga ninjas and Koka ninjas. Iga ninjas came from what is now Mie Prefecture. They were experts in stealth and espionage. Koka ninjas, from present-day Shiga Prefecture, were more focused on direct combat and used poisons and traps.
忍者には主に二つのグループがありました：伊賀忍者と甲賀忍者です。伊賀忍者は現在の三重県出身で、隠密行動と諜報活動の専門家でした。甲賀忍者は現在の滋賀県出身で、直接戦闘と毒や罠の使用に特化していました。
Modern Ninja Tourism
Today, ninjas are a popular part of Japanese culture and tourism. Museums like the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Koka Ninja House attract many visitors. These places offer ninja shows, exhibits, and even hands-on ninja training. Tourists can learn about ninja history and try out ninja skills.
今日、忍者は日本文化と観光の人気の一部です。伊賀流忍者博物館や甲賀忍者屋敷のような博物館は多くの訪問者を魅了しています。これらの場所では忍者ショー、展示、さらには実践的な忍者訓練も提供されています。観光客は忍者の歴史を学び、忍者の技能を試すことができます。
Global Popularity
Ninjas are famous worldwide, partly due to movies, anime, and manga. Popular shows like “Naruto” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” feature ninjas, making them well-known and loved by people around the world. This global interest brings many tourists to Japan to learn more about ninjas.
忍者は映画、アニメ、マンガのおかげで世界中で有名です。「ナルト」や「ティーンエイジ・ミュータント・ニンジャ・タートルズ」のような人気番組が忍者を特集し、世界中の人々に知られ愛されています。この世界的な関心が、多くの観光客を日本に引き寄せ、忍者についてもっと学ぼうとしています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is a ninja?
忍者とは何ですか？
A ninja was a secret agent and warrior in Japan, active mainly during the 15th to 17th centuries. They specialized in espionage, sabotage, and stealthy operations.
忍者は日本の秘密工作員や戦士で、主に15世紀から17世紀にかけて活躍しました。彼らは諜報活動、破壊工作、そして隠密行動を専門としていました。
2: What does "ninjutsu" mean?
忍術とは何ですか？
Ninjutsu refers to the art of ninja skills, including stealth, disguise, escape techniques, and combat. It is the set of skills that ninjas trained in to carry out their missions.
忍術とは、隠密行動、変装、脱出技術、戦闘を含む忍者の技能のことです。忍者が任務を遂行するために訓練した技術のセットです。
3: Where were the two main groups of ninjas from?
忍者の二つの主要なグループはどこから来たのですか？
The two main groups of ninjas were from Iga (in present-day Mie Prefecture) and Koka (in present-day Shiga Prefecture). Each group had its own specialized techniques.
忍者の二つの主要なグループは、伊賀（現在の三重県）と甲賀（現在の滋賀県）から来ました。それぞれのグループには独自の専門技術がありました。
4: What were Iga ninjas known for?
伊賀忍者は何で知られていましたか？
Iga ninjas were known for their expertise in stealth and espionage. They were highly skilled at gathering information without being detected.
伊賀忍者は、隠密行動と諜報活動の専門知識で知られていました。彼らは見つからずに情報を収集することに非常に熟練していました。
5: What were Koka ninjas known for?
甲賀忍者は何で知られていましたか？
Koka ninjas were known for their skills in direct combat and their use of poisons and traps. They focused on more aggressive tactics.
甲賀忍者は、直接戦闘の技能と毒や罠の使用で知られていました。彼らはより攻撃的な戦術に焦点を当てていました。
6: Why are ninjas popular in modern times?
忍者は現代でなぜ人気がありますか？
Ninjas are popular today because they are featured in movies, TV shows, and anime, such as "Naruto" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Their mysterious and skilled nature fascinates people around the world.
忍者は、「ナルト」や「ティーンエイジ・ミュータント・ニンジャ・タートルズ」のような映画、テレビ番組、アニメに登場するため、今日でも人気があります。彼らの神秘的で熟練した性質が世界中の人々を魅了しています。
7: What is the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum?
伊賀流忍者博物館とは何ですか？
The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum is a museum in Iga, Japan, where visitors can learn about the history of ninjas, see ninja tools, and watch ninja performances.
伊賀流忍者博物館は、日本の伊賀にある博物館で、訪問者は忍者の歴史を学び、忍者の道具を見たり、忍者のパフォーマンスを観たりすることができます。
8: How did ninjas contribute to Japanese history?
忍者は日本の歴史にどのように貢献しましたか？
Ninjas contributed to Japanese history by serving as spies and assassins for powerful lords. They helped in gathering intelligence, disrupting enemy plans, and carrying out covert operations.
忍者は強力な領主のためにスパイや暗殺者として働くことで日本の歴史に貢献しました。彼らは情報収集、敵の計画を混乱させること、そして秘密の作戦を遂行することで役立ちました。
9: What is "stealth" in the context of ninjas?
忍者における「隠密行動」とは何ですか？
Stealth refers to the ability to move or act quietly and undetected. For ninjas, stealth was a key skill that allowed them to complete missions without being noticed.
隠密行動とは、静かに行動し、見つからない能力を指します。忍者にとって、隠密行動は見つからずに任務を完了するための重要な技能でした。
10: Can tourists experience ninja activities today?
今日、観光客は忍者の活動を体験できますか？
Yes, tourists can experience ninja activities today at various museums and attractions in Japan. These include ninja training experiences, shows, and exhibits where people can learn about ninja history and skills.
はい、観光客は今日、日本のさまざまな博物館や観光名所で忍者の活動を体験できます。これには、忍者訓練体験、ショー、そして忍者の歴史や技能を学べる展示が含まれます。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
espionage : 名詞
意味: スパイ活動。The practice of spying or using spies to obtain secret information, especially about a government or business.
（忍者が情報を集めるためのスパイ活動）
例文：
- The government was involved in an international espionage scandal.
「政府は国際的なスパイ活動のスキャンダルに巻き込まれていた。」 - Espionage was a crucial part of the ninja’s duties.
「スパイ活動は忍者の任務の重要な部分だった。」 - Many countries use espionage to protect their national security.
「多くの国が国家の安全を守るためにスパイ活動を利用している。」
sabotage : 名詞、動詞
意味: 破壊工作。The act of deliberately destroying or damaging something to prevent it from working properly.
（忍者が敵の計画を妨害するための破壊工作）
例文：
- The rebels engaged in sabotage to disrupt the enemy’s supply lines.
「反乱者たちは敵の補給線を混乱させるために破壊工作を行った。」 - The company’s rivals tried to sabotage their new project.
「会社の競争相手は新しいプロジェクトを妨害しようとした。」 - Industrial sabotage can cause significant financial losses.
「産業破壊工作は重大な財政損失を引き起こす可能性がある。」
stealth : 名詞
意味: 隠密。The act of moving, proceeding, or acting in a covert way to avoid detection.
（忍者の隠密行動）
例文：
- The cat moved with perfect stealth across the room.
「その猫は部屋の中を完璧な隠密で移動した。」 - Stealth is a key skill for a ninja.
「隠密行動は忍者にとって重要な技能である。」 - He approached the building with extreme stealth to avoid being seen.
「彼は見られないように極度の隠密で建物に近づいた。」
intriguing : 形容詞
意味: 興味をそそる。Arousing one’s curiosity or interest; fascinating.
（忍者の技能や生活様式が魅力的で興味深い）
例文：
- The idea of time travel is very intriguing to many scientists.
「タイムトラベルの概念は多くの科学者にとって非常に興味深いものである。」 - The ninja’s secretive lifestyle is intriguing.
「忍者の秘密主義の生活様式は興味をそそる。」 - She found his mysterious past intriguing.
「彼女は彼の神秘的な過去に興味をそそられた。」
immerse : 動詞
意味: 浸る。To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
（忍者文化に浸ること）
例文：
- He decided to immerse himself in Japanese culture.
「彼は日本文化に浸ることを決めた。」 - Tourists can immerse themselves in ninja training at the museum.
「観光客は博物館で忍者訓練に浸ることができる。」 - She likes to immerse herself in a good book during weekends.
「彼女は週末に良い本に浸るのが好きだ。」