Kanji meanings › Sword
Kanji for Sword
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “sword”: 刀、剣、刃. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
sword
The blade of a Japanese sword; resolve, sharpened.
2 strokes On reading トウ (tou) Kun reading かたな、そり (katana, sori) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: sword, saber, knife
Readings used for names on Nazuke: chi, to, tou
sword
A sword; a blade of courage.
10 strokes On reading ケン (ken) Kun reading つるぎ (tsurugi) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: sabre, sword, blade, clock hand
Readings used for names on Nazuke: ken, tsurugi
blade
The edge of a blade.
3 strokes On reading ジン、ニン (jin, nin) Kun reading は、やいば、きる (ha, yaiba, kiru) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: blade, sword, edge
Readings used for names on Nazuke: jin, ha
More about 刃 →Thinking of a tattoo? A single kanji like these is meaningful on its own, but ask a native speaker to check the exact form and stroke order before you commit.
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