Translation guide
The English word "blade" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common translation is 刃 (ha) for a cutting edge, but different words are used for swords, knives, razors, and metaphorical uses.
The sharp part of a knife, sword, or tool that does the cutting.
The most common and general word for the cutting edge of a blade. It refers specifically to the sharpened part.
この包丁は刃が鋭い。
This kitchen knife has a sharp blade.
刃を研ぐ。
Sharpen the blade.
Refers specifically to the tip or the very edge of the blade, often used in technical contexts.
刃先が欠けた。
The blade tip chipped.
The entire bladed weapon or tool, not just the edge.
Refers to a sword, especially a katana. Can be used for the whole sword, including the blade.
彼は刀を抜いた。
He drew his blade.
A more formal or literary term for a sword, often used in compound words.
剣の達人
master of the blade
A general term for bladed tools or cutlery, such as knives and scissors.
The thin, flat piece of metal used in razors for shaving.
Literally 'razor's blade'. The most natural way to refer to a razor blade.
剃刀の刃を交換する。
Replace the razor blade.
Specifically a replacement blade for a razor or utility knife.
替え刃を買う。
Buy replacement blades.
The flat, rotating part of a machine that moves air or water.
Used for fan blades, propeller blades, and similar flat rotating parts. Also means 'wing' or 'feather'.
扇風機の羽根
fan blades
プロペラの羽根が回る。
The propeller blades spin.
The English loanword 'blade' is commonly used in technical or mechanical contexts, especially for turbines and modern equipment.
The flat triangular bone in the upper back.
The anatomical term for shoulder blade. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
肩甲骨を動かすストレッチ。
Stretches to move your shoulder blades.
The flat, broad part of a leaf.
Botanical term for the blade of a leaf. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.
葉身の形は種によって異なる。
The shape of the leaf blade varies by species.
An old-fashioned term for a stylish, lively young man.
A dandy or a flashy dresser. This is a very loose translation of 'blade' in the archaic sense of a gallant or swashbuckler.
This is an archaic English usage. The Japanese equivalent is also somewhat dated and not a direct translation.
彼は街で有名な伊達男だ。
He's a well-known blade about town.
刃 refers specifically to the cutting edge, while 刀 refers to the entire sword as an object. If you want to talk about the sharpness or the edge itself, use 刃. If you mean the weapon as a whole, use 刀 or 剣.
刃が鋭い刀
a sword with a sharp blade
The loanword ブレード is mainly used for mechanical parts (turbine blades, fan blades) or in brand names. For kitchen knives or swords, use 刃 or 刀.
包丁の刃
kitchen knife blade
Be careful with blades.
タービンブレード
turbine blade