Meaning

Primary

Sword

Alternative

Katana

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well!

Reading

かたな
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it uses the kun'yomi reading. I'm hoping you already know this word - that will make everything much easier. It's かたな (you know what a katana is, right?).

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 刀をふりまわす

    to brandish a sword

    刀をもつ

    to carry a sword

    刀をぬく

    to draw a sword

Context Sentences

いきなりサムライが刀を上げた。

The samurai raised his sword out of the blue.

日本で刀をかいたいんです。

I want to buy a sword in Japan.

この小さい刀、かわいくない?

Isn't this little sword so cute?

Kanji Composition