矛
KanjiJLPT N1
Halberd
halberd, arms, festival float
Mnemonic
Shaft with a pointed blade and barb at the tip — the long reach of a halberd.
Details
The keyword for 矛 is halberd. This kanji represents an ancient polearm weapon used in warfare, combining a spear point with a blade, similar to what is known in Western terms as a halberd. In classical Chinese and Japanese texts, it often appears in discussions of weaponry and military affairs. It is also famously used in the word 矛盾 (contradiction), derived from an old Chinese parable about a man who claimed his halberd could pierce any shield while also claiming his shield could block any weapon.
- On'yomi
- む、ぼう
- Kun'yomi
- ほこ