竹刀(しない)

しない
noun
shinai; bamboo sword (used in kendo)
1. shinai; bamboo sword (used in kendo)
The practice sword used in kendo, made from four strips of split bamboo bound together. It stands in for a real sword in training and matches.
竹刀(しない)を構(かま)える。
to take a stance with the bamboo sword
剣道(けんどう)の練習(れんしゅう)で竹刀(しない)を振(ふ)る。
I swing a shinai during kendo practice.
試合(しあい)の前(まえ)に、竹刀(しない)に割(わ)れやひびがないか丁寧(ていねい)に点検(てんけん)する。
Before a match, you carefully inspect the shinai for splits or cracks.

The bamboo practice sword used in 剣道(けんどう) (kendo), made of four bamboo staves bound with leather fittings so practitioners can strike safely. The reading しない is irregular and does not follow the on'yomi of the kanji.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 竹刀(しない)を構(かま)える: to take a stance with the shinai
  • 竹刀(しない)を振(ふ)る: to swing the shinai
  • 竹刀(しない)稽古(げいこ): practice with the bamboo sword

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 木刀(ぼくとう): wooden sword — solid wood, used for forms practice (型(かた))
  • 真剣(しんけん): a real, live steel sword
general
Added 2026.5.19 13:03
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