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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Shoryuken is commonly translated as “rising dragon fist.” In Street Fighter, it is the name of an upward-striking attack, often called a dragon punch or uppercut in English. Fighting-game players also use the word informally for similar attacks in other games.
What does “Shoryuken” mean?
The usual English gloss is “rising dragon fist”: the name evokes a fist driving upward like a rising dragon. It is best treated as a common translation, not the only possible nuance of the Japanese name.
In Street Fighter, Shoryuken is a specific named move. Capcom’s Street Fighter IV manual lists it among character moves. English speakers often describe the attack as a dragon punch or uppercut.
How players use the word outside Street Fighter
In fighting-game conversation, “Shoryuken” can also refer to an uppercut-style attack in another game. The Fighting Game Glossary records this broader community usage. It is informal terminology, not an official name for every game’s similar move.
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| Use | What it refers to | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Translation | “Rising dragon fist,” the common English gloss of the Japanese name | A translation, not a move in itself |
| Street Fighter move | The series’ named upward strike | Official game terminology |
| Broader player slang | An uppercut-like attack in another fighting game | Informal community usage |
Where the move comes from
Dictionary.com’s pop-culture account reports that the move first appeared in Capcom’s 1987 arcade game Street Fighter. It also notes that the home Street Fighter II manual used the English label “dragon punch” while the character performed the move under its Japanese name. The 1987 debut and translation history are reported by this secondary source.
Capcom developer commentary shows how closely the move became tied to the series’ characters. Interview guest Tomoshi Sadamoto said he thought of Ryu as “the Shoryuken character,” while observing that players tended to associate Ryu with Hadoken and Ken with Shoryuken. His comments also discuss how Ryu’s and Ken’s Super Arts differ in Super Street Fighter II Turbo.
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In a separate Capcom interview, Street Fighter II designer Shoei, who was responsible for Ryu and Ken, recalled: “I remember making the dot patterns for the Shoryuken and the Hadoken first.” That is a recollection about designing the moves’ visuals, not an explanation of the word’s linguistic origin.
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- Power with a micro-USB cable (not included) or 4 AA batteries (not included)
Rank #3
- Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed CAPCOM title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience. Two Titles in One, Includes Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers & Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition
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- Iconic Fighting Game: Super Street Fighter II The New Challengers is the ultimate fighting game experience with iconic characters. New Content: Featuring four new characters, four new stages, and enhanced gameplay with new moves and combos
- Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA (non-rechargeable) batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included)
Sources
- Capcom’s Street Fighter IV manual lists Shoryuken among character moves.
- Capcom’s interview with Tomoshi Sadamoto discusses the move’s association with Ryu and Ken.
- Dictionary.com’s pop-culture entry provides the common gloss and reported history.
- The Fighting Game Glossary documents the broader player usage.
- Capcom’s developer interview includes Shoei’s recollection about designing the move visuals.
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