famous sword; Masamune blade
Refers to a sword made by the legendary swordsmith Masamune, or more broadly any excellent sword. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
この刀は正宗の名刀だと言われている。
This sword is said to be a famous Masamune blade.
sake; Japanese rice wine
Colloquial term for sake, originally referring to a specific brand from the Nada region during the Tenpō era (1830–1844). Now used more broadly for good-quality sake.
今夜は正宗で一杯やろう。
Let's have a drink of sake tonight.
日本酒 is the neutral, standard word for Japanese rice wine, whereas 正宗 is an old colloquial nickname for good sake that originated from a Nada brand name.
酒 is the plain, everyday word for alcohol (often meaning sake specifically), while 正宗 is a more colorful, brand-derived colloquialism used to praise good sake.
ancient oriental belt ornament · counter for swords
Named after the swordsmith Masamune (正宗). The sake sense comes from a brand that adopted the name, later becoming a generic term for sake.