Dialect comparison

Tōhoku-ben vs Tokyo Japanese

Compare two dialects of Japanese side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.

Tōhoku-ben

Tōhoku dialect · Zūzū-ben

The dialects of north-eastern Honshu around Sendai. Distinguished by reduced vowel contrasts and merged sibilants — historically caricatured as "zūzū-ben".

Approximate centre
38.27°, 140.87°
Tokyo Japanese

Hyōjungo · Standard Japanese

The Tokyo-area variety that forms the basis of Standard Japanese (Hyōjungo). Carried nationwide by broadcasting, education, and government use.

Approximate centre
35.68°, 139.69°

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