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What is the Kanji for 'Sword'? | 剣

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Sword', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Sword' is 剣.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sword

    Reading

    kunyomiつるぎ

    tsurugi

    onyomiけん

    ken

    Parts

    Sword (刀)

    Example Word

    剣: sword. The Japanese noun '剣 (けん)' refers to a 'sword'. This term is used to describe a bladed weapon typically used in combat or martial arts. It carries historical and cultural significance in Japan, often associated with samurai and traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Example sentences: He wielded a sharp sword「彼は鋭い剣を振るった」(かれはするどいけんをふるった). The sword is a symbol of the samurai「剣は侍の象徴だ」(けんはさむらいのしょうちょうだ). Note that '剣' can also appear in compound words, such as '剣術 (けんじゅつ)' meaning 'swordsmanship'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    933

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    component

    radical

    Meaning

    Sword

    Radical Form Of

Words Using

This kanji is used in 2 words:

    word

    Meaning

    Sword

    word

    真剣

    Meaning

    Serious

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 㑒 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Test

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dangerous, Steep

    kanji

    Meaning

    Examine

    kanji

    Meaning

    Thrifty, Frugal

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 26 kanji contain the part 刂 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Before, Front

    kanji

    Meaning

    Return

    kanji

    Meaning

    Profit, Advantage

    kanji

    Meaning

    Separate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reach, Arrival

    kanji

    Meaning

    System, Control

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rule

    kanji

    Meaning

    Divide, Split

    kanji

    Meaning

    Judge, Stamp

    kanji

    Meaning

    File

    kanji

    Meaning

    Secondary

    kanji

    Meaning

    Printing

    kanji

    Meaning

    Publish, Edition

    kanji

    Meaning

    Engrave

    kanji

    Meaning

    Drama

    kanji

    Meaning

    Create

    kanji

    Meaning

    Punish

    kanji

    Meaning

    Plane, Cut by chipping

    kanji

    Meaning

    Surplus

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stab

    kanji

    Meaning

    Group, Squad

    kanji

    Meaning

    Divide, Cut up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Medicine, Dose

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reap, Clip

    kanji

    Meaning

    Strength, Sturdy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Temple

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 剣 mean?

剣 means 'Sword'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.