1.
dual-wielding; fighting with two swords
A sword-fighting style using a sword in each hand. Famously associated with the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
宮本武蔵は二刀流の達人だった。
Miyamoto Musashi was a master of dual-wielding swordsmanship.
二刀流の剣術は高度な技術を要する。
Dual-wielding swordsmanship requires advanced skill.
2.
excelling in two roles or fields simultaneously
By extension, a person who handles two different roles, skills, or positions at the same time. Widely popularized in modern usage by baseball player Ohtani Shohei, who pitches and bats.
大谷選手の二刀流は世界中で注目されている。
Ohtani's two-way playing style has attracted worldwide attention.
彼女は医者と作家の二刀流で活躍している。
She is active in the dual roles of doctor and writer.
仕事と育児の二刀流は大変だが、やりがいがある。
Juggling both work and childcare is tough, but rewarding.
USAGE:
The figurative sense (sense 2) has become extremely common in modern Japanese, particularly since Ohtani Shohei's success as both a pitcher and a batter in Major League Baseball. Now used broadly for anyone excelling in two fields simultaneously.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二刀流で活躍する (to be active in two roles)
- 二刀流選手 (two-way player)
- 二刀流に挑戦する (to take on a dual role)
ETYMOLOGY:
The term originates from 宮本武蔵's 二天一流 school of swordsmanship, which taught fighting with a long sword and a short sword simultaneously.