Kyō-kotoba · Kyoto dialect
The Kyoto variety of Kansai Japanese. Historically the prestige speech of the imperial court, marked by softer cadence, distinct honorific forms, and a long literary heritage.
- Approximate centre
- 35.01°, 135.77°
Dialect comparison
Kyoto-ben vs Nagoya-ben
Compare two dialects of Japanese side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.
Owari dialect
The dialect of Nagoya and the Owari plain. Sits between the Tokyo and Kansai regions and shares features with both, while keeping a distinct vowel inventory.
- Approximate centre
- 35.18°, 136.91°
Keep exploring
Read the full picture of Japanese and the dialects within it.