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.
Sharpen the blade.
Refers specifically to the tip or the very edge of the blade, often used in technical contexts.
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.
He drew his blade.
A more formal or literary term for a sword, often used in compound words.
A general term for bladed tools or cutlery, such as knives and scissors.
The thin, flat piece of metal used in razors for shaving.
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'.
fan blades
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
kitchen knife blade
master of the blade
Be careful with blades.
Buy replacement blades.
タービンブレード
turbine blade