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刀下 (とうか) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

刀とう下か

Meanings

1

noun

under the sword

Literary or historical expression for being beneath a sword, often implying imminent danger or execution. Rare in modern usage.

刀とう下かに伏ふす覚かく悟ごを決きめた。
He resolved to submit himself under the sword.

Kanji

刀sword, saber, knife
下below, down, descend

Etymology

Compound of 刀 (sword) and 下 (under). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning 'under the sword'.