Translation guide
A scabbard is a sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet. In Japanese, the most common word is 鞘 (さや), which covers most contexts. There are also specific terms for certain weapons or styles.
The learner wants to refer to the protective case for a blade, typically a Japanese sword (katana) or similar.
The standard word for scabbard or sheath, used for Japanese swords, knives, and other bladed tools. Can be used in most contexts.
Sheathe the sword.
That scabbard has a beautiful lacquer finish.
Literally 'sword's scabbard'. Used when you need to be explicit about it being a sword scabbard.
The sword's scabbard is damaged.
The learner is talking about the scabbard of a katana, often in historical or martial arts contexts.
Refers to the scabbard as part of the sword's mounting (koshirae). Used in discussions of sword fittings.
This mounting's scabbard uses metal fittings.
A plain wooden scabbard used for storing a blade when not in a formal mounting. Common in sword maintenance.
Store the blade in a plain wooden scabbard.
The learner is referring to the sheath of a bayonet or combat knife.
While 鞘 (さや) is the traditional word for scabbard, the loanword シース (shiisu) from English 'sheath' is sometimes used for modern tactical or outdoor knife sheaths. However, 鞘 remains more common and natural in most contexts.
That scabbard is made of sturdy leather.