仏塔
buttō[bɯ̟t̚to̞ː]
The English phrase pagoda is translated into Japanese as 仏塔 (buttō). Wiktionary also lists パゴダ (pagoda) and 塔 (tō).
Meaning: a tiered tower with multiple eaves (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 仏塔 | buttō | [bɯ̟t̚to̞ː] (narrow) |
| パゴダ | pagoda | |
| 塔 | tō | [to̞ː] (narrow) [a̠ɾa̠ɾa̠ɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 五輪の塔 | gorin no tō | |
| 五重の塔 | ||
| 五重塔 | gojū no tō | |
| 石塔 | sekitō | [se̞kʲito̞ː] (narrow) |
| 三重塔 | sanjū no tō | |
| 塔婆 | tōba | [to̞ːba̠] (narrow) |
A pagoda is a tiered tower with multiple eaves. If you are referring to pagodas found in other regions, such as Southeast Asia or Myanmar, the katakana transcription パゴダ is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 仏塔 (buttō) is composed of 仏 (Buddha) and 塔 (tower/pagoda).
Which one should you use?
While 仏塔 specifically refers to a Buddhist pagoda, the shorter form 塔 (tō) can refer more generally to any tower or spire. If the structure is made of stone rather than wood, the term 石塔 (sekitō) is used. The term 五重塔 (gojū no tō) is the standard way to refer to a five-storied pagoda, which is a common architectural form in Japan.
How do you pronounce it?
buttō
Did you know?
- In the 10th century, the word for pagoda was sometimes written as 阿良良伎, which literally translates to 'wild onion'.
- Traditional Japanese pagodas like the 五重塔 use a central 'shinbashira' pillar that functions as a shock absorber to survive earthquakes.
- The term 塔婆 (tōba) can refer to small wooden memorial stakes placed at gravesites rather than large buildings.
Examples in context
- あれは塔です。That is a pagoda.This sentence is useful for identifying a pagoda using the form 塔.Tatoeba #229682 by KK_kaku_, translation #67042 by CC
- あのお寺の塔は本当に美しいです。The pagoda at that temple is truly beautiful.
- その寺には古い仏塔があります。Sono tera ni wa furui buttō ga arimasu.There is an old pagoda at that temple.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are visiting a temple.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、見て！あそこに仏塔があるよ。Misaki, mite! Asoko ni buttō ga aru yo.Misaki, look! There is a pagoda over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当にきれいな仏塔ね。Hontō ni kirei na buttō ne.It's a really beautiful pagoda.
- 大翔 Hiroto何階建てなんだろうか。Nankaidate nandarō ka.I wonder how many stories it has.
- 美咲 Misaki五重塔だと思うわ。gojūtō da to omou wa.I think it's a five-storied pagoda.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pagoda” translations and entries 仏塔, 塔, 石塔, 塔婆, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 塔, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
