矛
also: とかり
Meanings
long-handled spear; lance; pike
Refers to a traditional or historical polearm, especially a long-handled spear associated with ancient China or premodern warfare. The ordinary modern word for a spear is often 槍 read やり.
The soldier readied a long spear.
An old spear and shield were displayed on the wall.
Only with reading ほこ
A broader use meaning weapons or armed force, often felt in set or literary expressions such as 矛を収める, 'to lay down arms.'
The king laid down arms and made peace with the neighboring country.
The two armies clashed at the border.
grip of a bow
Only with reading ほこ
Rare technical use for the part of a bow that is held. Modern readers are more likely to need this for recognition in specialist or older archery-related descriptions.
In old archery explanations, the part of the bow that is gripped may be called hoko.
spear-decorated parade float
Only with reading ほこ
Abbreviation of 矛山車, a festival float decorated with long-handled spears or spear-like ornaments. In festival contexts the spelling 鉾 is also very natural.
See also: 矛山車
At the Gion Festival, ornate spear-decorated floats parade through the streets.
Usage patterns
- 〈相手〉に矛を向けるto turn one's attack or criticism toward someone
He suddenly turned his criticism toward his boss.