刀
刀·sword, blade
- On-yomi
- トウ
- Kun-yomi
- かたな
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 日本刀 | にほんとう | Japanese sword |
| 刀 | かたな | sword |
| 小刀 | こがたな | small knife, penknife |
| 名刀 | めいとう | famous or masterly sword |
Example sentences
博物館で日本刀を見た。
はくぶつかんでにほんとうをみた。
I saw a Japanese sword at the museum.
侍は腰に刀を差していた。
さむらいはこしにかたなをさしていた。
The samurai wore a sword at his waist.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Writing 力 when you mean 刀 in fast handwriting
- Reading 日本刀 as にほんがたな — the compound takes とう
Memory aid
Picture it
Two strokes that draw the sword itself: the handle at the top and the curved blade sweeping down.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 刀 mean?