こなた

noun

this way; here

Only with reading こなた

Archaic equivalent of こちら. Used in classical Japanese to indicate direction or location near the speaker. Not used in modern conversation.

See also: こちら

• こなたへおいでなさいませ。

  Please come this way. (archaic polite)

noun

this person; he; she

Only with reading こなた

Archaic third-person pronoun, equivalent to この人. Used in classical texts to refer to someone near the speaker or previously mentioned. Not used in modern Japanese.

• こなたはどなたでございますか。

  Who is this person? (archaic polite)

noun

since; prior to

Only with reading こなた

Archaic temporal noun used in expressions like こなたから (since then) or こなたまで (until then). Replaced by こちら or この方 in modern Japanese.

• こなたよりずっとお待まちしておりました。

  I have been waiting for you since then. (archaic)

pronoun

I; me

Only with reading こなた

Archaic first-person pronoun, used mainly by women in classical literature. Humble or polite nuance. Not used in modern Japanese.

• こなたはそのようなことは存ぞんじませぬ。

  I do not know such a thing. (archaic humble)

pronoun

you

Archaic second-person pronoun, used to address someone of equal or lower status. Can be familiar or slightly condescending. Not used in modern Japanese.

• こなたは何なにをしておる。

  What are you doing? (archaic familiar)