Japanese Word for
刀katana
sword · blade · katana
Readings
Meaning
Sword, blade, katana. 刀 (katana) is the curved single-edged samurai sword. 剣 (ken) is a straight double-edged sword. The katana is considered Japan's most sacred craft object.
Example words
日本刀
nihontō
Japanese sword
剣道
kendō
the way of the sword
真剣
shinken
real sword / serious
刀匠
tōshō
swordsmith
See Japanese Symbol for Sword for the full reference. The katana is one of Japan's most internationally recognized symbols — appearing in everything from samurai films to anime like Demon Slayer (鬼滅の刃).
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