剑 (jiàn) - sword & a double-edged weapon with a long blade and

剑Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 刂

嘉健

剑 · jiàn

sword;

a double-edged weapon with a long blade and hilt, used for cutting or thrusting;

also metaphorically refers to sharpness or martial prowess.

sworda double-edged weapon with a long blade andalso metaphorically refers to sharpness or martial prowess.

Usage highlights

swordswordplay/fencingswordsmanlong sworddoublesword and spear

Synonyms

  • 刀— knife; saber (single-edged blade)
  • 刃— blade; edge

Antonyms

  • 鞘— scabbard; sheath
  • 盾— shield

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He drew his sword (剑) from its scabbard.
  • The swordsman practiced with a wooden sword (木剑).
  • Fencing is also called swordplay (剑术).
  • The legendary sword was named Excalibur (王者之剑).

Collocations

  • sword(剑)
  • swordplay/fencing(剑术)
  • swordsman(剑客)
  • long sword(长剑)
  • double-edged sword(双刃剑)
  • sword and spear(刀剑)

Idioms

  • Brandish the sword and mount the horse(挥剑上马)
  • Draw the sword to help(拔剑相助)
  • The sword is not old(宝剑未老)
  • Sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes(剑眉星目)
  • Sword flies and dance rises(剑飞舞起)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The sword holds a significant place in Chinese martial culture, symbolizing honor, justice, and martial spirit.
  • In Chinese folklore and wuxia (martial heroes) literature, the sword is often a symbol of a hero's virtue and skill.
  • The sword is one of the four main weapons in Chinese martial arts, along with the staff, spear, and saber.

FAQ