Koto

Pronunciation: /ˈkoʊ.toʊ/

Definitions of koto

noun a word used in Japanese to indicate a thing or concept without specifying it

Example Sentences

A1 Watashi wa koto ga suki desu.

A2 Kore wa nani koto desu ka?

B1 Kare wa koto o hanashimasen.

B2 Kanojo wa koto o yoku shirimasu.

C1 Koto wa jikan no muda da to omou.

C2 Jinsei wa koto o kangaeru koto ga hitsuyou da.

Examples of koto in a Sentence

formal In Japanese culture, the term 'koto' refers to a traditional stringed musical instrument.

informal Let's learn how to play the koto together!

slang I heard that new ramen place is the koto!

figurative The art of calligraphy is like playing the koto with a brush instead of strings.

Grammatical Forms of koto

• past tense: kotoed
• plural: kotos
• comparative: more koto
• superlative: most koto
• present tense: koto
• future tense: will koto
• perfect tense: have kotoed
• continuous tense: is kotoing
• singular: koto
• positive degree: very koto
• infinitive: to koto
• gerund: kotoing
• participle: kotoed

Origin and Evolution of koto

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Japanese

Story behind the word: The word 'koto' originated in Japan.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, the meaning of 'koto' has evolved over time to also represent a Japanese traditional dress or a type of martial arts technique.