刀
Second grade kyōiku kanji[ka̠ta̠na̠]
The Japanese word for "swords" is 刀 (Second grade kyōiku kanji).
刀 refers to bladed weapons used for cutting or thrusting.
Which one should you use?
The word Ken is a general term covering various types of swords, including both Japanese and non-Japanese designs. Tachi refers to a specific type of ancient Japanese sword that was worn suspended from the belt, edge downwards.
Did you know?
- The specific style of single-edged sabers that led to the modern katana was likely introduced to Japan from Korea starting in the 11th century.
- In Japanese culture, the katana is often referred to as the 'soul of the samurai', making it more than just a weapon.
Examples in context
- 剣道は竹刀と防具を使って行う日本の武道です。Kendo is a Japanese martial art which uses bamboo swords and protective armour.This sentence shows how to use 刀 in the context of Kendo and bamboo swords.Tatoeba #8823782 by small_snow, translation #6297791 by Hybrid
- 闘士は両手で刀を二振り持って最後まで敵と勇敢に戦った。Swinging their swords with two hands, the warriors bravely battled their enemies to the end.This sentence demonstrates the use of 刀 when describing warriors wielding swords.Tatoeba #779025 by marloncori, translation #783805 by hrin
- 日本には様々な種類の刀があります。There are various types of swords in Japan.
- アニメでよく見る剣は何と呼ばれていますか？What are swords commonly called in anime?
- アニメでは剣を「つるぎ」と呼ぶことが一般的です。In anime, swords are commonly called "tsurugi".
- 博物館には古い刀がたくさんあります。Hakubutsukan ni wa furui katana ga takusan arimasu.There are many old swords in the museum.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are visiting a traditional Japanese museum.
- 美咲 Misakiこの博物館には古い刀がたくさんありますね。Kono hakubutsukan ni wa furui katana ga takusan arimasu ne.There are many old swords in this museum, aren't there?
- 蓮 Renはい、本物の刀はとても美しいです。Hai, honmono no katana wa totemo utsukushii desu.Yes, the real swords are very beautiful.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは、どの刀が一番好きですか？Ren-san wa, dono katana ga ichiban suki desu ka?Ren, which sword do you like the most?
- 蓮 Ren僕は、あの長い刀がかっこいいと思います。Boku wa, ano nagai katana ga kakkoii to omoimasu.I think that long sword is cool.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 刀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 刀, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
