刀
KANJI DETAIL
sword
On readingとう2 strokesN4
Radical 刀 · knifeStroke order
Loading the stroke order for 刀.
Japanese readings
- On reading
- とう
- Kun reading
- かたな
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
刀has two strokes: the standalone word isかたな, while日本刀uses the on-readingとう. - Basic usage: It commonly refers to a sword, particularly a Japanese sword, and appears in names of sword types.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A whole-word reading
- Unlike
日本刀(にほんとう),竹刀is readしない. Learn this name for a bamboo practice sword as a whole word.
- Unlike
- Sword and blade
刀names the sword as an object, while刃(は)names its blade or edge. Sheathing a sword and sharpening its edge refer to different scopes.