sword

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 剣 has ten strokes, the on-reading けん, and the kun-reading つるぎ.
• Basic usage: It names a sword and appears in swordsmanship terms, as well as a compound describing seriousness.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Standalone word and compound
  • 剣(つるぎ) can occur in descriptions of myth or old weapons. 剣道(けんどう) names the martial art kendo.
• A real sword and a serious attitude
  • 真剣(しんけん) can be a noun referring to a real sword on display, or describe seriousness, as in 真剣な表情.