竹刀

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 竹刀, read as the conventional whole word しない, denotes a sword-shaped training implement made from bamboo 竹.
• Basic usage: It denotes the bamboo sword used in kendo practice and matches, as in 竹刀を構える, and is read しない.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Tone and register
  • Unlike a bladed sword 刀, it is training equipment, and its reading しない is not readily predicted from the ordinary character readings.