刀

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 刀 is a noun read かたな, referring to a bladed weapon and especially to a Japanese sword.
• Basic usage: Use it when describing a displayed sword's features or an action such as sheathing it in 刀を鞘に収める.
  • 展示された刀には美しい波模様がありました。 describes a beautiful wave pattern on a displayed sword; 物語の侍は刀を鞘に収めて立ち去りました。 describes a samurai in a story sheathing the sword and leaving.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 刀には…模様がある
  • には presents the sword as both the topic and the place where the pattern is found.
• 刀を鞘に収める
  • を marks the sword being put away, while に marks the scabbard that receives it.
• 刀 and 名刀
  • 刀 is the general name for the sword itself, while 名刀 adds the judgment that it is distinguished or renowned.