剣(けん)

けん
noun
sword, blade
tool
1. sword, blade
A double-edged sword or blade. While 刀(かたな) refers specifically to the single-edged Japanese sword, 剣(けん) is a broader term that can refer to swords in general, including Western-style double-edged swords and swords in fantasy/game contexts.
勇者(ゆうしゃ)が剣(けん)を抜(ぬ)いた。
The hero drew his sword.
剣(けん)の腕(うで)を磨(みが)くために毎日(まいにち)稽古(けいこ)する。
I practice every day to improve my swordsmanship.
博物館(はくぶつかん)には古代(こだい)の剣(けん)や鎧(よろい)が数多(かずおお)く展示(てんじ)されている。
Many ancient swords and suits of armor are on display at the museum.

Also read as つるぎ, which sounds more literary and archaic. The けん reading is standard in modern compounds and everyday use.

In Japanese martial arts, 剣(けん) often appears in compound words related to swordsmanship. In games and fantasy fiction, 剣(けん) is the standard word for swords of all types.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 刀(かたな) (single-edged Japanese sword)
general
Added 2026.2.18 21:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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