wakizashi

English

An antique Japanese wakizashi with 拵え (koshirae, “mounting gear”) and related parts, shown disassembled. The 波紋 (hamon, “temper line”) is clearly visible.

Etymology

From Japanese 脇差(わきざし) (wakizashi).

Pronunciation

(UK) IPA^(key): /wækɪˈzæʃi/
(US) IPA^(key): /wɑkɪˈzɑʃi/, /wɑkiˈzɑʃi/
Audio (US): (file)

Noun

wakizashi (plural wakizashi or wakizashis)

A traditional Japanese shortsword, traditionally 30cm to 60cm in length, often used as a secondary weapon to a katana.

Translations

Japanese: 脇差 (wakizashi)

Japanese

Romanization

wakizashi

Rōmaji transcription of わきざし