Translation guide
A traditional Japanese six-stringed zither, known as the yamatogoto or wagon. This entry explains the instrument and how to refer to it naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the six-stringed native Japanese zither as a musical instrument.
The most common and standard term for the six-stringed native Japanese zither. Used in both historical and modern contexts.
The wagon is an instrument used in gagaku (court music).
An alternative name emphasizing its Japanese origin. Slightly more literary or historical in feel.
大和琴は日本固有の弦楽器です。
The yamatogoto is a string instrument native to Japan.
A rare, poetic term for the wagon, literally 'eastern zither'. Mainly found in classical literature.
東琴の音色は古風で美しい。
The tone of the azumagoto is antique and beautiful.
Talking about playing or performing on the six-stringed zither.
The standard way to say 'play the wagon'. The verb 弾く (ひく) is used for string instruments.
彼女は和琴を弾くのが上手です。
She is good at playing the wagon.
The wagon (和琴) has six strings and is native to Japan. Do not confuse it with the koto (箏), which has 13 strings and originated in China, or the Chinese guzheng (古筝). When specifying the six-stringed type, always use 和琴 or 大和琴.