1.
spear; halberd; pike
An ancient pole weapon with a blade or pointed head, used in Japan and elsewhere before firearms. Largely a historical or literary term in modern Japanese.
In modern Japanese, 矛 is rarely used as a physical noun outside historical or festival contexts. It appears most often in set phrases and idioms.
Common expressions
- 矛を収める: to end a fight; to lay down arms (literally, to sheathe the spear)
- 矛を向ける: to turn one's attack toward; to target with criticism
- 矛先: the point of attack; the brunt of an argument or criticism
Similar words
- 槍: spear — the everyday word for a spear; more concrete and still occasionally used
- 刀: sword — different category of weapon, with a long curved blade
Related Words
Compare:
刀 (sword)