katana
/kaˈtana/feminine, alternative form
The English word "katana" is translated into Spanish as katana. It is also spelled catán. Wiktionary also lists catana.
Meaning: type of Japanese longsword (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| katana | /kaˈtana/ | feminine, alternative form |
| catana | /kaˈtana/ | feminine |
| catán | /kaˈtan/ | masculine, alternative form |
In Spanish, the word katana is commonly used to refer to this type of Japanese longsword without any translation. For more formal contexts, you may use the phrase hoja japonesa, which means "Japanese blade".
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to write this word. catana is a feminine form. catán is a masculine alternative spelling of catana. katana is a feminine alternative spelling of catana.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms catana and katana are feminine, while the form catán is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈtana/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word hoja used in hoja japonesa means both 'blade' and 'leaf'. This reflects a linguistic connection between the thin, sharp edge of a sword and the shape of a leaf.
- Spanish has a specific word, estocada, to describe a thrusting blow with a sword. While not exclusive to the katana, it is the primary term used in Spanish literature and film to describe a fatal sword strike.
- While katana is the standard term, Spanish speakers may use the word sable to describe it. This can be confusing because a sable is typically a curved European sword, whereas a katana has a specific Japanese curvature.
Examples in context
- Me encantaría aprender a manejar una katana.I would love to learn how to handle a katana.
- Cuando pienso en una katana, lo primero que me viene a la mente es su elegancia y filo impecable.When I think of a katana, the first thing that comes to mind is its elegance and impeccable sharpness.
- Siempre he sentido fascinación por las espadas japonesas, especialmente por la katana y su historia legendaria.I've always been fascinated by Japanese swords, especially the katana and its legendary history.
- En mi clase de artes marciales, aprendí a manejar una katana de manera segura y precisa.In my martial arts class, I learned to handle a katana safely and precisely.
- La katana es un arma muy hermosa.The katana is a very beautiful weapon.
- Él colecciona cada katana que encuentra.He collects every katana he finds.
- Esa katana de acero es auténtica.That steel katana is authentic.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are visiting a museum of ancient weapons.
- DanielMira esa katana en la vitrina.Look at that katana in the display case.
- MaríaEs impresionante, María cree que es muy bella.It is impressive, María thinks it is very beautiful.
- DanielDicen que la katana era el alma del samurái.They say that the katana was the soul of the samurai.
- MaríaEs verdad, tiene un diseño muy elegante.That's true, it has a very elegant design.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “katana” translations and entries katana, catana, catán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
