ninja

Everyday

1. A secret fighter or spy in old Japan, trained in fighting, sneaking and disguises. tree →
2. (informal) A person who is very skilled at something: «a spelling ninja». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, cartoons and games, ninjas wear black, move silently and do clever tricks; real ninjas in history were spies and scouts in Japan in the 1400s–1600s. In everyday kid talk, «ninja» praises skill or stealth. Phrases: «ninja warrior», «like a ninja», «ninja moves», «maths ninja».

Examples

• The ninja crept silently across the rooftop. tree →
• I sneaked downstairs like a ninja to get a snack. tree →
• Ninjas were real spies in old Japan. tree →
• You solved that puzzle so fast — you're a maths ninja! tree →
• The cartoon about ninja turtles is very old but still popular. tree →
• My brother does ninja moves on the trampoline. tree →

Note

Plural «ninjas» (sometimes «ninja» as in Japanese). Myth: real ninjas did not always wear black suits — they often disguised themselves as farmers or travellers. Do not confuse with «samurai», the warrior class who served lords openly.