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°
Compare two dialects of Japanese side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.
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.
Hyōjungo · Standard Japanese
The Tokyo-area variety that forms the basis of Standard Japanese (Hyōjungo). Carried nationwide by broadcasting, education, and government use.
Read the full picture of Japanese and the dialects within it.