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Kotomora

箏

a koto

FrequencyTop 5,000Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • ソウ
  • ショウ

Kun'yomi

  • こと

Meaning

箏 refers specifically to a koto, the traditional Japanese stringed instrument. The meaning is narrow and concrete, centered on this particular musical instrument.

Most common words using 箏

  • 箏曲そうきょく

    koto music

  • 俗箏ぞくそう

    modern koto (in contrast to the gagaku koto or gakuso); modern koto music

  • 楽箏がくそう

    ancient type of koto with 13 strings used in Gagaku music

  • 筑紫箏つくしごと

    Tsukushi-goto (earliest school of solo koto music); Tsukushi school

  • 箏の琴そうのこと

    koto

  • 箏曲家そうきょくか

    koto player

Explore all words using 箏 →

Study

Etymology

箏 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 爭, which likely contributes the sound. The bamboo radical points to the material used in making the instrument.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 竹 is bamboo, used to make the koto's body and bridges. The bottom 爭 looks like a hand plucking strings. Together they form the koto.

Reading mnemonic

For ソウ, imagine the soulful sound of a koto: soul -> ソウ, as the bamboo strings resonate.