剣
also: つるぎ
Meanings
Refers to a sword, especially a large, double-edged one. The reading つるぎ is more traditional and often used in literary or historical contexts, while けん is the common Sino-Japanese reading.
He drew his sword and faced the enemy.
This sword was forged by a master craftsman.
Only with reading けん
Used for a bayonet attached to a rifle. Reading is けん.
They fixed bayonets to their rifles and charged.
Only with reading けん
Refers to the art or skill of swordsmanship. Reading is けん.
He is a master of swordsmanship.
Only with reading けん
Zoological term for the stinger or ovipositor of insects. Reading is けん.
The bee's stinger injects venom.
Usage patterns
- 剣を抜くto draw a sword
The samurai quickly drew his sword.
- 剣を振るto swing a sword
He practiced swinging a sword with a wooden one.
- 〈人〉が剣で〈物〉を斬るfor someone to cut something with a sword
The swordsman cut the rope with his sword.
- 剣の腕を磨くto hone one's swordsmanship skills
He hones his swordsmanship skills at the dojo every day.
Expressions· 9
- 剣の道way of the sword; swordsmanship
- 柔剣棒jūkenbō; body, sword and staff techniques
- 剣を交えるcross swords; engage in a duel
- 剣を帯びるwear a sword at one's side
- ペンは剣よりも強しthe pen is mightier than the sword
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- 舟に刻して剣を求むnot keeping up with the times; unaware that things are changing
- 舟に刻みて剣を求むnot keeping up with the times; unaware of changing circumstances
- 剣を落として舟を刻むnot keeping up with the times; being unaware of change; clinging to outdated methods