noun

tanto

TAHN-toh

Tanto (noun) means a short traditional Japanese blade, often carried alongside a katana. Example: “The samurai kept a tanto tucked into his belt as a backup weapon.”

noun

A short traditional Japanese blade, often carried alongside a katana.

"The samurai kept a tanto tucked into his belt as a backup weapon."

How to use tanto

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short Japanese dagger-like sword, historically used as a secondary weapon.

Word forms

tanto plural, tantos plural

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Fill the gap

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The samurai kept a _____ tucked into his belt as a backup weapon.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese tantō, meaning "short sword".

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for tanto

santo canto encanto Monsanto

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tanto” mean?

The word “tanto” means a short traditional Japanese blade, often carried alongside a katana. In plain terms, a short Japanese dagger-like sword, historically used as a secondary weapon.

How do you pronounce “tanto”?

“Tanto” is pronounced TAHN-toh (/ˈtɑntoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “tanto” in a sentence?

Here is “tanto” used in a sentence: “The samurai kept a tanto tucked into his belt as a backup weapon.”

What part of speech is “tanto”?

“Tanto” is a noun.

Where does the word “tanto” come from?

The word “tanto” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese tantō, meaning "short sword".

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Vocabulary lists that include tanto:

Words with Japanese origins