和楽器(わがっき)

A compound of 和(わ) (Japanese) + 楽器(がっき) (musical instrument). Refers to instruments traditionally associated with Japanese music.

Major instruments

• 琴(こと): koto (13-string zither)
• 三味線(しゃみせん): shamisen (3-string plucked instrument)
• 尺八(しゃくはち): shakuhachi (bamboo flute)
• 太鼓(たいこ): taiko (drum)
• 笙(しょう): sho (mouth organ, used in 雅楽(ががく))
• 篠笛(しのぶえ): shinobue (transverse bamboo flute)

Similar words

• 洋楽器(ようがっき): Western instruments

Usage

Interest in 和楽器(わがっき) has grown in recent years, with fusion bands combining traditional instruments with rock and pop. The 和(わ)〜 prefix pattern is productive: 和食(わしょく) (Japanese food), 和服(わふく) (Japanese clothing), 和室(わしつ) (Japanese-style room).