How to say 'Classic' in Japanese | 古典

Wondering how to say 'Classic' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Classic is 'Koten', written as 古典 in Japanese.'Classic' in hiragana is こてん.

word

古典

Meaning

Classic

Reading

こてん

koten

Kanji

古Old 典Code, Rule

Explanation

The Japanese noun '古典 (こてん)' refers to something that is considered a classic, often in the context of literature, art, or music. It can denote works that have stood the test of time and are regarded as having significant historical or cultural value. For example: I enjoy reading classics「私は古典を読むのが好きです」(わたしはこてんをよむのがすきです). This museum has a collection of classical art「この美術館は古典美術のコレクションがあります」(このびじゅつかんはこてんびじゅつのコレクションがあります). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to traditional or ancient things in various fields.

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

4000

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 古典

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

kanji

古

Meaning

Old

kanji

典

Meaning

Code, Rule

Words Related to 古典 Through the Kanji 古

These 9 Words contain the Kanji 古 as well.

word

古い

Meaning

Old

word

古代

Meaning

Ancient, Antiquity

word

古

Meaning

Old

word

古墳

Meaning

Tumulus

word

稽古

Meaning

Practice

word

古く

Meaning

Old

word

中古

Meaning

Used, Secondhand

word

古本

Meaning

Used book

word

古里

Meaning

Hometown

Words Related to 古典 Through the Kanji 典

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 典 as well.

word

典型

Meaning

Typical, Archetype

word

辞典

Meaning

Dictionary

word

典型的

Meaning

Typical

word

百科事典

Meaning

Encyclopedia

Learn the Word 古典

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Koten' (古典) mean?

'Koten' means 'Classic' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.