1.
helmet; samurai helmet
A helmet, especially the ornate helmets worn by samurai warriors. Also refers to decorative replicas displayed during Boys' Day (端午の節句) and other cultural occasions.
武士が兜をかぶった。
The samurai put on his helmet.
五月になると兜を飾る家庭が多い。
Many households display samurai helmets when May comes around.
博物館には戦国時代の兜や鎧が展示されている。
Helmets and armor from the Warring States period are on display at the museum.
Samurai helmets are characterized by elaborate crests (前立) and face guards. Miniature 兜 are displayed alongside 鎧 (armor) and 鯉のぼり (carp streamers) during 端午の節句 (Boys' Day, May 5th) to wish for boys' healthy growth.
The idiom 兜を脱ぐ (to take off one's helmet) means to surrender or admit defeat.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 兜をかぶる — to wear a helmet
- 兜を飾る — to display a helmet
- 兜を脱ぐ — to surrender; to admit defeat
- 鎧兜 — armor and helmet