刀
katana[ka̠ta̠na̠]
The Japanese word for sword is 刀 (katana) or 剣 (ken).
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 刀 | katana | [ka̠ta̠na̠] (narrow) [to̞ː] (narrow) |
| 剣 | ken | [kẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) [t͡sɨɾɯ̟ɡʲi] (narrow) |
Both words refer to a sword as a weapon, but they are used in different contexts. In a modern Japanese setting, 刀 is the most common way to refer specifically to a traditional Japanese sword.
Which one should you use?
刀 (katana) typically refers to the traditional Japanese sword, while 剣 (ken) is used in more formal, literary or technical contexts, such as in the word for the martial art kendo.
How do you pronounce it?
katana
When do people say it?
When people speak of a traditional Japanese sword in a modern context, they will most often use 刀.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 綺麗な刀だな。It's a beautiful sword.This sentence shows how to describe a beautiful 刀.Tatoeba #12020410 by small_snow, translation #3820404 by CK
- 俺の刀はどこだ？Where's my sword?This sentence is a way to ask for the location of one's 刀.Tatoeba #11058413 by small_snow, translation #7488958 by Ricardo14
- 彼は剣で殺された。He was killed with a sword.This sentence demonstrates the use of 剣 to describe how someone was killed.Tatoeba #107733 by bunbuku, translation #295952 by CK
- 私は美しい刀を収集しています。I collect beautiful swords.
- 彼は刀の使い方を学んでいます。He is learning how to use a sword.
- 私は剣を使って戦います。I fight using a sword.
- 彼は剣の修行をしています。He is practicing swordsmanship.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are visiting a historical museum.
- 健太 Kentaこの刀はとても古いですね。Kono katana wa totemo furui desu ne.This sword is very old, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。とても美しいです。Honto desu ne. Totemo utsukushii desu.That's true. It is very beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、刀に興味がありますか？Himari-san wa, katana ni kyoumi ga arimasu ka?Himari, are you interested in swords?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、大好きです！Hai, daisuki desu!Yes, I love them!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries 刀, 剣, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 刀, 剣, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
