Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you express 'wearing a sword' depends on the type of sword, how it is worn, and the context (historical, modern, ceremonial). The most common and natural expressions use specific verbs for carrying or equipping a sword at the waist.
To describe someone wearing a sword, typically a katana or similar, tucked into the belt or sash, as in samurai contexts.
This is the most standard and natural way to say 'wear a sword' in Japanese, especially for a katana or similar blade worn at the waist. The verb 差す (さす) specifically means to insert or carry a sword in one's belt.
侍は腰に刀を差していた。
The samurai was wearing a sword at his waist.
A more formal or literary way to say 'wear a sword'. 帯びる means to wear or carry at the waist, often used in historical or official contexts.
武士は常に刀を帯びていた。
Warriors always wore swords.
An archaic or highly literary verb specifically for wearing a sword at the waist. Rarely used in modern Japanese outside of historical texts or poetic language.
彼は太刀を佩いていた。
He wore a long sword.
To describe wearing a sword in a non-standard way, such as on the back, or for larger swords.
Used when a sword is carried on the back. 背負う means to carry on one's back. This is common for larger swords like nodachi or in fantasy settings.
彼は大太刀を背負っていた。
He was carrying a large sword on his back.
Means to carry a sword over the shoulder, often in a casual or rough manner. 担ぐ implies hoisting something onto one's shoulder.
若者は刀を担いで歩いていた。
The young man was walking with a sword over his shoulder.
To focus on the act of putting on a sword as part of arming oneself, rather than the state of wearing it.
A general phrase meaning 'to wear' or 'to equip' a sword on one's body. It can refer to any method of carrying, but is less specific than 差す.
彼は戦いのために刀を身に着けた。
He equipped a sword for battle.
Means to carry a sword in one's hand or at one's side, often implying readiness. It can also mean to be armed with a sword.
警護の者が刀を携えていた。
The guards were carrying swords.
To describe wearing a sword as an accessory, in cosplay, or in martial arts practice (e.g., iaido).
A modern, technical term meaning 'to equip' or 'to attach' a sword, often used for costumes, props, or in instructional settings.
コスプレで刀を装着した。
I wore a sword as part of my cosplay.
Specifically for wearing a practice sword (模擬刀) in martial arts like iaido. Uses the same verb 差す as for real swords.
居合道では模擬刀を差します。
In iaido, we wear a practice sword.
差す (さす) is the everyday, standard verb for wearing a sword at the waist. 帯びる (おびる) is more formal and literary, often seen in historical descriptions. 佩く (はく) is archaic and rarely used outside of classical texts. For most purposes, 差す is the best choice.
侍が刀を差す姿は美しい。
The sight of a samurai wearing a sword is beautiful.
Do not use 着る (to wear clothes) or 履く (to wear on lower body) for swords. These verbs are for clothing and footwear, not weapons. Using them would sound unnatural and confusing.
× 刀を着る
(incorrect) to wear a sword like clothes