sword

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.
• 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.