塔(とう)

とう
noun
tower; pagoda
1. tower; pagoda
A tall, narrow building or structure, either freestanding or part of a larger building.
塔(とう)が右(みぎ)に傾(かたむ)いている。
The tower is leaning to the right.
東京(とうきょう)タワーは有名(ゆうめい)な塔(とう)だ。
Tokyo Tower is a famous tower.
お寺(てら)には五重(ごじゅう)の塔(とう)がある。
The temple has a five-story pagoda.

塔(とう) covers both modern towers and traditional pagodas. It refers to any tall, narrow structure, whether freestanding or part of a building.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 管制(かんせい)塔(とう): control tower
  • 時計(とけい)塔(とう): clock tower
  • 鉄塔(てっとう): steel tower, pylon
  • 灯台(とうだい): lighthouse
  • 五重(ごじゅう)の塔(とう): five-story pagoda
  • 三重(さんじゅう)の塔(とう): three-story pagoda

CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese Buddhism, pagodas originally served as reliquaries for Buddha's remains. They are iconic features of temple architecture. Famous examples include the 五重(ごじゅう)塔(とう) at 法隆寺(ほうりゅうじ) and 東寺(とうじ).

general
Added 2026.2.4 19:52 · Revised 2026.4.4 10:54
09500/09944_tou