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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".

Spoken in
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.

Spoken in
Approximate centre
35.68°, 139.69°

How to read this comparison

Which one to learn

Start with Tōhoku-ben or Tokyo Japanese based on the community, country, or media you expect to use most.

Mutual understanding

Shared language labels do not guarantee identical speech. Compare country coverage, aliases, and audio where available.

Where to go next

Open each dialect page for sources, nearby varieties, atlas context, and app availability.

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