巴
tomoe[to̞mo̞e̞]
The English phrase "tomoe" is translated into Japanese as 巴.
巴 refers to a circular design of swirling water.
Meaning: circular design of swirling water (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tomoe
When do people say it?
The 巴 is a traditional Japanese comma-shaped motif often seen on Shinto shrine decorations and samurai crests.
Did you know?
- The name 巴 may have originally referred to a specific type of drawing of an archer's wrist protector, 鞆, rather than the water motif itself.
- The tomoe is often associated with the god of war, Hachiman, and is frequently found on the drums of Shinto shrines.
- In Japanese heraldry, known as 'kamon', the 'tomoe' motif is frequently used in groups of three, called 'mitsutomoe', to create a spinning visual effect.
Examples in context
- 私の友達の名前は巴（ともえ）です。My friend's name is Tomoe.
- 今晩、トモエちゃんとデートに行く予定です。I have plans to go on a date with Tomoe tonight.
- 刀の鍔には巴の模様がある。Katana no tsuba ni wa tomoe no moyō ga aru.The sword's guard has a tomoe design.
- 古い壺に巴が描かれている。Furui tsubo ni tomoe ga kakarete iru.A tomoe is painted on the old jar.
- この紋章は巴の形をしている。Kono monshō wa tomoe no katachi o shite iru.This crest is in the shape of a tomoe.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are visiting a Japanese shrine.
- 陽太 Yota見て、あの太鼓に巴がついているよ。mite, ano taiko ni tomoe ga tsuite iru yo.Look, there is a tomoe on that drum.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。渦巻いている形が面白い。hontou da ne. uzumakite iru katachi ga omoshiroi.You're right. The swirling shape is interesting.
- 陽太 Yota巴は伝統的な日本の模様なんだよ。tomoe wa dentouteki na nihon no moyou nan da yo.The tomoe is a traditional Japanese pattern.
- 結衣 Yui詳しく教えてくれてありがとう、陽太。kuwashiku oshiete kurete arigatou, youta.Thanks for explaining it in detail, Yota.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tomoe” translations and entries 巴, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 巴, CC BY-SA 4.0.
