naginata; polearm with a curved single-edged blade
A traditional Japanese pole weapon with a curved blade, similar to a glaive.
I saw a naginata from the Warring States period at the museum.
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.
naginatajutsu; art of the naginata
Standard kanji spelling for the weapon and the martial art.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common than 薙刀.
Kana spelling is common for the martial art sense.
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.