Learn How to Pronounce Tokyo | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Tokyo
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the bustling capital and political heart of Japan, a preeminent global city that masterfully synthesizes ancient tradition with hyper-modern innovation. Established as the seat of the shogunate during the Edo period and renamed Tokyo when it became the imperial capital in 1868, the city is a densely populated urban sprawl comprising 23 special wards and numerous outlying islands. Visitors and residents alike navigate a dynamic landscape where serene historic temples and shrines, such as Senso-ji in Asakusa, stand in stark contrast to the neon-lit skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology of districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku. As a top-tier world financial center and a cultural powerhouse driving global trends in fashion, cuisine, and pop culture, Tokyo offers an unparalleled urban experience, from its efficient public transportation system and renowned culinary scene to its vibrant neighborhoods and seasonal attractions like cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling "Tokyo" is standard in English and is a transliteration of the Japanese 東京. A common historical alternate spelling is "Tokio," which was frequently used in early 20th-century Western texts and remains the name's form in several other languages (e.g., Spanish, German). Common typos often involve simple transpositions or misspellings, such as "Tokoyo" or "Tokioh." Another frequent error is the misapplication of the term; for instance, referring to the entire "Greater Tokyo Area" (which includes prefectures like Chiba and Saitama) simply as "Tokyo" can be geographically imprecise, though it is commonly understood in casual context. Additionally, some may mistakenly hyphenate it as "To-kyo" or incorrectly capitalize it as "TOKYO" outside of stylistic or acronymic uses.
Example Sentences
After landing at Haneda Airport, we took the efficient train directly into the heart of Tokyo to begin our adventure.
Our itinerary balanced Tokyo's futuristic side, with a visit to the digital art museum in Odaiba, and its traditional roots, including a quiet morning at the Meiji Shrine.
Finding a reasonably priced hotel in central Tokyo during peak cherry blossom season requires planning well in advance.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers one of the best free panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape.
For many first-time visitors, the iconic scramble crossing outside Shibuya Station epitomizes Tokyo's organized chaos and relentless energy.
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