小手（こて、kote）
- gauntlet

The Japanese word 小手 (こて, *kote*) refers to a type of protective gear worn in Japanese martial arts, specifically for the hands and forearms. ⚫︎ It is usually made of layers of fabric, often reinforced with leather or other durable materials, designed to absorb impact. ⚫︎ In a broader sense, 小手 can also refer to the "wrist" or "forearm" area of the body, particularly in the context of martial arts techniques. ⚫︎ The word 小手 itself is a combination of two kanji: 小 (*ko*), meaning "small," and 手 (*te*), meaning "hand."

⚫︎ 剣道で、相手の小手を打つ。 Translation: In Kendo, to strike the opponent's kote (wrist/forearm). ⚫︎ 小手を着けて、稽古を始める。 Translation: I put on the kote and begin practice. ⚫︎ 小手打ちの練習をしましょう。 Translation: Let's practice the kote strike.

⚫︎ The word 小手 is most commonly used in the context of Japanese martial arts such as Kendo, Aikido, and Iaido. ⚫︎ It describes the protective gear or a specific target area during training or competition. ⚫︎ You would use 小手 when talking about wearing the protective gear, performing a technique that targets the forearm/wrist, or discussing aspects of martial arts practice.

⚫︎ The word is typically written with the kanji 小手. ⚫︎ The reading is こて (*kote*) in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana (the suffix hiragana) is always written as 手.

There are no direct synonyms for 小手, as it is a specific type of protective gear. However, in the context of the arm, you could use words such as: ⚫︎ 腕 (*ude*): arm ⚫︎ 前腕 (*zen'wan*): forearm

There aren't specific antonyms for 小手. However, words related to removing the gear would be the opposite in meaning. For instance: ⚫︎ 外す (*hazusu*): to remove ⚫︎ 脱ぐ (*nugu*): to take off (clothes, shoes, etc.)

剣道では、小手は重要な防具の一つです。 ・Translation: In Kendo, the kote is one of the important protective gears. ・Explanation: This sentence highlights the importance of the kote in Kendo.

相手の小手に当てることを目指して練習しました。 ・Translation: I practiced aiming to hit the opponent's kote. ・Explanation: This sentence describes practicing a strike targeting the kote.

The etymology is straightforward: 小 (*ko*) means "small," and 手 (*te*) means "hand." The combination of the two originally referred to the "small hand" or wrist area. As the meaning evolved, it came to refer to the protective gear for that area.