Sword in Japanese
"sword" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
剣
ken
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "sword". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
刀 is the single-edged curved blade — the katana. 剣 is double-edged and straight, the older continental shape, and it is the word used for swordsmanship (剣道) and for swords in myth. 刃 is not a sword at all but the edge itself, the cutting part of any blade.
Top pick
sword, saber, knife
Reading: tou
2 strokes · powerful
Where it comes from
Pictograph of single-edged blade.
What it carries
Weapon, cutting, craftsmanship. Japanese sword revered as samurai's soul.
Related kanji for "sword"
sword
ken · powerful
Composed of all and sword. Sword used by many.
sword
jin · powerful, wisdom
Shape of sword with dot. Blade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for sword?
The most common kanji for "sword" is 刀, read as tou. It means sword, saber, knife. Related kanji: 剣 (sword), 刃 (sword).
How many strokes does 刀 have?
刀 has 2 strokes.