(こと)

こと
noun
koto, Japanese harp
1. koto
A traditional Japanese stringed instrument with 13 strings.
(こと)()く。
To play the koto.
(こと)音色(ねいろ)(うつく)しい。
The sound of the koto is beautiful.
()どもの(ころ)から(こと)(なら)っている。
I have been learning the koto since childhood.
(こと)には十三(じゅうさん)(ほん)(げん)がある。
The koto has thirteen strings.
正月(しょうがつ)には(こと)音楽(おんがく)がよく(なが)れている。
Koto music is often played during the New Year.

(こと) is a traditional Japanese instrument.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • 13 strings stretched over movable bridges
  • Played by plucking with picks on thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Used in traditional Japanese music and ceremonies

RELATED:

  • 三味線(しゃみせん): shamisen (3-stringed instrument)
  • 尺八(しゃくはち): shakuhachi (bamboo flute)