刀
katana[ka̠ta̠na̠]
The Japanese word for "katana" is 刀. Wiktionary also lists 日本刀 (Nihontō).
Meaning: type of Japanese longsword (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 刀 | katana | [ka̠ta̠na̠] (narrow) [to̞ː] (narrow) |
| 日本刀 | Nihontō | [ɲ̟ihõ̞nto̞ː] (narrow) [ɲ̟ip̚põ̞nto̞ː] (narrow) |
刀 refers to a type of Japanese longsword.
Which one should you use?
While 刀 refers to the sword itself, 日本刀 is a more formal or technical term meaning "Japanese sword" used to distinguish it from foreign blades.
How do you pronounce it?
katana
Did you know?
- The specific type of single-edged sabers that became the katana were mostly introduced to Japan from Korea starting around the 11th century.
- A katana is distinguished from a wakizashi not just by length, but by the social status and laws governing who could wear each blade.
- In traditional Japanese culture, the katana is often referred to as the 'soul of the samurai'.
Examples in context
- 刀の美しさに心が奪われました。I was captivated by the beauty of the katana.
- 彼は凄い剣使いだ。He is an amazing swordsman.
- 刀剣のコレクションが趣味です。Collecting traditional Japanese swords is my hobby.
- 博物館で古い刀を見ました。Hakubutsukan de furui katana o mimashita.I saw an old katana at the museum.
- これは本物の刀ですか？Kore wa honmono no katana desu ka?Is this a real katana?
- 彼は美しい刀をコレクションしています。Kare wa utsukushii katana o korekushon shite imasu.He collects beautiful katanas.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are visiting a Japanese sword exhibit.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、あの刀を見てください。Misaki, ano katana o mite kudasai.Misaki, please look at that katana.
- 美咲 Misakiわあ、すごい迫力ですね。Wā, sugoi hakuryoku desu ne.Wow, it has such a powerful presence.
- 大翔 Hiroto刀の造形が素晴らしいです。Katana no zōkei ga subarashii desu.The craftsmanship of the katana is wonderful.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に日本の宝物ですね。Hontō ni Nihon no takaramono desu ne.It really is a Japanese treasure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “katana” translations and entries 刀, 日本刀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 刀, 日本刀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
