剣・劒・劍|けんken[1]atamadaka (head-high)

Common
つるぎtsurugi[0]heiban (flat)
Which spelling to use
剣剣 is the most common form and the recommended choice for beginners. It is written entirely in kanji, and learners should use it when choosing a form to write.
劒劒 is less common than 剣 and is written entirely in kanji. It is an outdated kanji, so beginners should use 剣 instead.
劍劍 is less common than 剣 and 劒 and is written entirely in kanji. It is an outdated kanji, so beginners should use 剣 instead.
Definitions
  1. nounsword (esp. a large, double-edged one); blade
    剣けんを取とる者ものは皆みな剣けんで滅ほろびる。↗
    All who take up the sword will perish by the sword.
  2. nounbayonet
  3. nounswordsmanship
  4. noun, zoologystinger; ovipositor; dart
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym刀かたなNeutralRefers to the single-edged Japanese sword, especially the katana; 「剣」 usually means a double-edged sword and also covers swordsmanship.
  • SynonymソードNeutralA loanword covering swords in general, often Western-style ones; common in video games and fantasy works.

Use 「剣」 for double-edged swords or swordsmanship, as in 「剣道」 and 「伝説の剣」; use 「刀」 for the single-edged Japanese sword. 「ソード」 is a loanword common in games and fantasy works.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. (つるぎ、ケン)刃はが両側りょうがわについている刃物はもの。
  2. (ケン)「刀剣とうけん」の通称つうしょう。特とくに、その技能ぎのうである剣術けんじゅつ、剣道けんどうのこと。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

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