太刀・大刀・横刀|たちtachi[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
太刀太刀 is the most common written form for this long sword and the form beginners should use when referring to it.
大刀大刀 is a less common kanji form for the same long sword; you may encounter it as an alternative spelling.
横刀横刀 is rarely used, so you will seldom encounter this kanji form for the same long sword.
Definitions
- nounlong sword (as opposed to the shorter katana)
- nountachi; sabre-like sword worn on the hip with the blade facing down
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym大刀だいとうNeutralA large sword, or the Chinese glaive (guandao). Written much like 「太刀」, but 「太刀」 is the usual name for the Japanese long sword.
- Antonym短刀たんとうNeutralAn antonym: a short sword or dagger, as opposed to the long sword 「太刀」.
- Antonym脇差わきざしNeutralAn antonym: the short sword worn by samurai, the opposite of the long sword.
For the Japanese long sword — especially the old-style tachi worn edge down, or the larger of a samurai's two swords — use 「太刀」. Use 「大刀」 for a large sword or the Chinese glaive; 「短刀」 and 「脇差」 are the short-blade opposites.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
