koto, harp, musical instrument
On'yomi (音読み)
- キン
- コン
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
- こと
About this kanji
The kanji 琴 (koto) primarily means "koto," which is a traditional Japanese musical instrument similar to a harp. This kanji is often used as a noun, but it can also appear in some compound forms. For example, 琴棋書画 (きんきしょが) refers to the four arts: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, highlighting cultural achievements. Another example is 琴音 (ことね), which means the "sound of the koto," emphasizing the musical aspect of the instrument. Lastly, 琴楽 (きんがく) refers to "koto music," showcasing its specific genre. When learning this kanji, it's helpful to remember its connection to traditional Japanese culture and music.
Built from
Example sentences
彼女は琴を弾くのが上手だ。
She is good at playing the koto.
Meanings across languages
- English
- koto, harp, musical instrument
- Tiếng Việt
- đàn koto, nhạc cụ
- 日本語
- こと, きん, 楽器
- 한국어
- 코토
- 中文
- 琴
- id
- koto
- th
- โกโตะ
- es
- koto
- fr
- koto
- de
- Koto
- pt
- koto
Common compounds
- 琴棋書画きんきしょがthe four arts: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting
- 琴音ことねsound of the koto, musical sound
- 琴楽きんがくkoto music
Want to actually learn this kanji?
The dictionary is one view. The Kanji 360 app wraps every character with mnemonic images, audio readings, stroke-order animation, story context, and SRS scheduling — free to start on iPhone, iPad, and Android.