Translation guide
A spiked metal device scattered on the ground to hinder cavalry or vehicles. In Japanese, the most common term is まきびし, a historical weapon. Modern or technical contexts may use カルトロップ.
To refer to the traditional spiked metal object used in warfare to impede horses or foot soldiers.
The standard Japanese term for caltrop, originally made from water chestnut seeds or metal. Used in historical and ninja contexts.
忍者は逃げるときにまきびしを撒いた。
The ninja scattered caltrops while escaping.
Specifically iron caltrops, emphasizing the material. Less common than まきびし.
戦国時代には鉄びしが使われた。
Iron caltrops were used during the Warring States period.
Loanword from English, used in modern military or gaming contexts. Not widely recognized in everyday Japanese.
ゲームでカルトロップを設置して敵の進軍を遅らせる。
In the game, you place caltrops to slow the enemy's advance.
To refer to a modern device used by police or security to puncture vehicle tires.
The common term for a tire spike strip used by police. Not historically a caltrop, but functionally similar.
警察は逃走車両を止めるためにスパイクストリップを設置した。
The police set up a spike strip to stop the fleeing vehicle.
A more generic term for tire spikes, sometimes used for portable devices. Less specific than スパイクストリップ.
駐車場の出口にタイヤスパイクが設置されている。
Tire spikes are installed at the parking lot exit.
To refer to the aquatic plant Trapa natans or its spiky seed, which inspired the weapon.
The plant water caltrop, whose seeds are spiky and resemble the weapon. Also used in family crests and patterns.
菱の実は食用になる。
The water caltrop seed is edible.
Specifically the seed of the water caltrop, often used to explain the origin of the weapon.
まきびしは菱の実の形を模している。
Caltrops mimic the shape of water caltrop seeds.
Directly translating 'caltrop' as カルトロップ may not be understood in historical contexts. Use まきびし for traditional weapons.
まきびし refers to ancient scattered spikes, while スパイクストリップ is a modern strip used against vehicles. Do not confuse them.