English–Japanese

“koto” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajikoto

Example

姉は琴を弾きます。ane wa koto o hi ki ma su

My older sister plays the koto.

Illustration for 琴 (koto)

How to say “koto” in Japanese

“Koto” in Japanese is 琴 (koto).

The koto turns the tension of stretched strings over a hollow wooden body into a clear, changing musical voice.

Full entry for 琴: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 琴

祖母は毎朝、琴の練習をしています。so bo wa mai asa koto no ren shū o shi te i ma su

My grandmother practices the koto every morning.

Tips for using 琴

  • English also uses koto as a loanword for this Japanese zither, especially in writing about Japanese music and instruments.

“koto” in other languages