Which reading is more common for 剣: tsurugi or ken


剣 by itself can be read either way. What's the difference?

Clarification: In particular, when 剣 refers to a 諸刃 sword, which reading are
natives more likely to use?




A little research leads me to believe that つるぎ refers exclusively to double-
bladed swords (諸刃{もろは}の剣{つるぎ}) while けん can refer to any sword, including
single- or double-bladed, as well as a bunch of other metaphorical meanings
and referring to sword arts and whatnot.

See the answer here:

<http://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q1035588605>

As for which is more common, it's けん.




A little research leads me to believe that つるぎ refers exclusively to double-
bladed swords (諸刃{もろは}の剣{つるぎ}) while けん can refer to any sword, including
single- or double-bladed, as well as a bunch of other metaphorical meanings
and referring to sword arts and whatnot.

See the answer here:

<http://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q1035588605>

As for which is more common, it's けん.

