刀

• Reading: かたな
• Romaji: katana
• Kanji breakdown: 刀 (katana/tou) — sword, blade, knife
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.na/

Meaning

Sword; katana; a Japanese single-edged blade weapon.

A noun referring to the traditional Japanese sword, one of the most iconic symbols of samurai culture. Different from 剣 (ken/tsurugi), which refers to double-edged swords. Common compounds include 日本刀 (Japanese sword), 刀鍛冶 (swordsmith), and 木刀 (wooden sword). Widely known internationally.

Examples

1. 博物館で古い刀を見た。 I saw an old sword at the museum.
2. 日本刀は美しい芸術品でもある。 Japanese swords are also beautiful works of art.
3. 昔の武士は刀を腰に差していた。 Samurai in the old days wore swords at their waists.

Usage Guide

Context: history, culture, martial arts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 刀 is a pictograph of a curved blade. One of the oldest and simplest kanji, it has been used since ancient Chinese writing. In Japan, the katana became the symbol of the samurai class during the feudal era.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal