noun
naginata; polearm with a curved single-edged blade
A traditional Japanese pole weapon with a curved blade, similar to a glaive.
博物館で戦国時代の薙刀を見た。
I saw a naginata from the Warring States period at the museum.
noun
naginata; martial art of wielding the naginata
Refers to the modern martial art (naginatajutsu) practiced with a naginata, often written in kana.
She practices naginata twice a week.
Rarely used kanji form.
The word なぎなた is of native Japanese origin. The kanji 薙刀 literally means 'mowing blade', reflecting its sweeping cutting motion. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.