刃
ha[ha̠]
The English word 'blade' is translated into Japanese as 刃 (ha) or ブレード.
Meaning: typically sharp-edged working end of a knife or other cutting tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 刃 | ha | [ha̠] (narrow) [ja̠iba̠] (narrow) |
| ブレード | burēdo | [bɯ̟ɾe̞ːdo̞] (narrow) |
刃 (ha) refers to the sharp-edged working end of a cutting tool and has a broad connotation encompassing the general idea of a blade. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the 'edge' or 'sharpness' of a person's temperament or words. For example, the phrase 刀の刃 (katana no ha) literally means the blade of a katana.
Which one should you use?
The native Japanese word 刃 is typically used for the cutting edge of traditional tools, such as knives or swords. In contrast, the katakana version ブレード (burēdo) is often used in technical, modern or sports contexts, such as a skate blade or a fan blade.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ブレード is a loanword from English used commonly in modern technical specifications or for specialized equipment.
How do you pronounce it?
ha
Did you know?
- The word 刃 (ha) is a distant relative of the Japanese word for 'tooth', which is also 歯 (ha).
- The term 焼き刃 (yakiba), which refers to a hardened blade, literally translates to a 'burned blade' due to the heat-treating process used in forging.
- While ブレード (burēdo) is the direct loanword for 'blade', it is also a common way to write the English word 'braid' in Japanese katakana.
Examples in context
- ブレードを研ぐTo sharpen a bladeThis sentence is useful for learning how to use the word ブレード in the context of sharpening.
- かみそりの刃で指を切りました。I cut my finger with a razor blade.This sentence demonstrates the use of 刃 when referring to a razor blade.Tatoeba #13714001 by GreySquirrel, translation #13714002 by GreySquirrel
- 私は日本刀の刀身の美しさに感動しました。I was moved by the beauty of the blade of the Japanese sword.
- この包丁は刃がとても鋭いです。Kono hocho wa ha ga totemo surudoi desu.The blade of this kitchen knife is very sharp.
Example conversation
Kenta is showing Hiyori a new tool in the kitchen.
- 健太 Kentaこの新しい包丁、刃の状態がいいよ。Kono atarashii hocho, ha no jotai ga ii yo.This new kitchen knife has a good blade condition.
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。切れ味が良さそうです。Honto desu ne. Kireaji ga yosasou desu.It really is. It looks like it will cut well.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、使う時は気をつけてね。Hiyori, tsukau toki wa ki o tsukete ne.Hiyori, please be careful when you use it.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、健太さん。気をつけます。Hai, Kenta-san. Ki o tsukemasu.Yes, Kenta. I will be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blade” translations and entries 刃, ブレード, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ブレード, 刃, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
