胴

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 胴 is read as どう and names the torso of a person or figure, as well as the torso protector used in kendo.
• Basic usage: Context distinguishes the body in 人形の胴 from the piece of armor in 胴を着ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Body and equipment senses
  • Translating both examples simply as torso would obscure that the kendo sentence refers to protective equipment.
• Different action patterns
  • Parts are attached 胴に on a figure, while the protector is worn with 胴を着ける.