also: こう
Only with reading く
Buddhist term for mouth or speech. In Buddhist contexts, it often refers to one of the three gates of action (body, speech, mind).
In Buddhism, it is considered important to be mindful of one's speech.
counter for people or implements
Only with reading こう
Usually read こう. Used as a suffix or counter for people or certain implements, especially in formal or literary contexts.
There are ten monks in this temple.
tone of voice; manner of speaking
word of mouth; personal recommendation · online reviews; user comments
pet phrase; favorite saying; catchphrase · speech habit; characteristic way of talking
persuade; coax; urge · hit on; make a pass at; woo
lipstick
meddling; interference; butting in
mouth; lips · shape of the mouth · near an entrance; vicinity of an entrance
lip service; mere words; empty talk · lips; mouth; snout
whistle (with the lips)
number of words spoken; talkativeness · number of dependents; number of mouths to feed · number of items; number of shares; number of applications
hum; sing to oneself; croon
quarrel; argument; verbal fight
gagging; silencing; hushing up · hush money
kiss
lovers' quarrel; lovers' tiff · chattering; idle talk
blurt out; let slip; say inadvertently
taste; mouthfeel; texture on the tongue · manner; demeanor; way of talking
nagging; faultfinding; carping
mouth-to-mouth feeding; beak-to-beak feeding; mouth-to-mouth resuscitation · conveying by word of mouth; oral tradition
cajolery; wheedling; smooth talk
moustache; mustache
inarticulate; poor at speaking; clumsy with words
each person; each mouth; one after another · each entrance; every opening
way of speaking; manner of speech; tone · hint; intimation; implication
removing a bad taste; cleansing one's palate · palate cleanser; intermezzo
frontispiece; opening illustration
verbal promise; one's word
oral instruction; word-of-mouth transmission · oral tradition
talking back; retort; backtalk
opening (a bottle, container); broaching · beginning; opening; commencement; first sale
Standard kanji spelling for the reading く.
Standard kanji spelling for the reading こう, used in the counter/suffix sense.
The kanji 口 originally depicts a mouth. The reading く is the native Japanese word for mouth, while こう is the Sino-Japanese reading used in compounds and counters.