Translation guide
A sword made of bamboo, primarily used in the Japanese martial art of kendo. The most common term is 'shinai', but other words exist for specific types or contexts.
The standard bamboo practice sword used in kendo, made of four bamboo slats.
The standard term for a bamboo sword used in kendo. It is made of four bamboo slats and is used for striking and thrusting.
I hold the shinai in a ready stance.
I bought a new shinai.
A sword made of bamboo, not necessarily for kendo, or a generic term.
Literally 'bamboo sword'. A generic term that can refer to any sword made of bamboo, including decorative or toy swords.
The children are playing with bamboo swords.
A historical term for a bamboo sword, often used in the context of old stories or as a prop. It can also refer to a sword with a bamboo blade, sometimes used as a metaphor for something fake.
Bamboo swords used in arts other than kendo, or specific variations.
A type of bamboo sword with a leather cover, used in some traditional martial arts like koryu kenjutsu. It is less common than the standard shinai.
In old schools, a fukuro shinai is sometimes used.
The English term 'bamboo sword' almost always refers to the kendo shinai. Avoid literal translations like '竹の剣' unless you specifically mean a non-kendo bamboo sword. In kendo contexts, always use '竹刀' (shinai).
The samurai wears a bamboo sword at his waist.