Japanese Conversation · Level 59
75 words
Japanese word
盾
Pronunciation
Romajitate
Meaning
- nounshield
Example
彼は大きな盾を手に持っています。kare wa ō ki na tate o te ni mo tte i ma su
He is holding a large shield.
More examples
展示室には木で作った盾が飾られています。ten ji shitsu ni wa ki de tsuku tta tate ga kaza ra re te i ma su
A wooden shield is on display in the exhibition room.
Core concept
Describes a protective object held in front of the body to block attacks or danger.
Common phrases
盾を構えるtate o kama e ru
raise a shield
盾で身を守るtate de mi o mamo ru
protect oneself with a shield
盾になるtate ni na ru
serve as a shield
Definition in Japanese
攻撃や危険から身を守るために手に持つ防具。kō geki ya ki ken ka ra mi o mamo ru ta me ni te ni mo tsu bō gu
Word origin
As a native Japanese noun, 盾 (tate, "shield") is an old word for a protective board, though its exact origin is uncertain.
Usage tips
- The figurative phrase 盾になる (tate ni naru) extends the idea of a shield to a person who stands between someone and harm.