The word "tsu chu" is a phonetic spelling of the Chinese term "cuju" (蹴鞠), which means "kick ball." In IPA phonetic transcription, "tsu chu" is spelled /t͡suː t͡ʃuː/, with the first sound being a combination of the "t" and "s" sounds, followed by the "oo" sound as in "moon," and ending with the "ch" sound as in "church" and the "oo" sound again. This phonetic spelling helps readers unfamiliar with the Chinese language to correctly pronounce and spell the term "cuju."
Tsu Chu, also known as Cuju, is an ancient Chinese sport that originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). It is often regarded as a predecessor to modern-day soccer or football. The term "Tsu Chu" can be translated to "kick ball" in English.
Tsu Chu is played on a rectangular field, usually made of compacted dirt. The objective of the game is to kick a leather ball through a small opening, resembling a goal, located at each end of the field. The ball used in Tsu Chu is typically made of animal bladder filled with feathers or hair.
The game is played by two opposing teams, each consisting of up to 12 players. Players use various techniques, including kicking, dribbling, and passing, to control and maneuver the ball towards their opponent's goal. Tsu Chu emphasizes precision, skill, and teamwork.
The rules of Tsu Chu are relatively simple. Players are not allowed to use their hands, and fouls such as tripping, pushing, or intentionally touching the ball with hands result in penalties. The team that scores the most goals within a specified time frame wins the game.
Tsu Chu holds historical and cultural significance in Chinese society, as it was not only a recreational activity but also a form of military training and entertainment during festivals. The game showcases the ancient Chinese people's physical prowess, agility, and competitive spirit. Despite its ancient origins, Tsu Chu continues to be acknowledged as an essential part of China's rich sporting heritage.
The word "tsu chu" is a romanization of the Chinese characters "足球", which literally mean "foot" (足) and "ball" (球) in Mandarin Chinese. It is worth noting that "tsu chu" is the Wade-Giles romanization used for the Mandarin pronunciation, while "zúqiú" is the Pinyin romanization.
The sport of "tsu chu" or "zúqiú" is considered ancient and has a long history in China, dating back to at least the Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). It was originally played as a recreational activity during military training or in the imperial court. Over time, it developed into a more organized sport and even gained popularity in neighboring countries.
The term "tsu chu" itself saw various phonetic changes over time.