Word of the Day: 火縄銃 (hinawajū)
火 (hi) = fire
縄 (nawa) = rope
銃 (jū) = gun
縄 (nawa) = rope
銃 (jū) = gun
So it literally translates to something like “fire-rope gun,” which makes sense because these old firearms used a slow-burning cord to ignite the powder. This was the main type of firearm used in Japan during the samurai era and played a huge role in battles during the Sengoku period. In English, this type of firearm is usually referred to as a matchlock.
Learn More
Curious to hear more about it? Want to learn how to pronounce it? Watch or listen to the full episode using the below link