Meaning

Primary

Larynx

Alternative

Voice Box

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The body part that lives between your throat and your head is your larynx. Otherwise known as the voice box, because your vocal cords live in there.

Reading

こうとう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You haven't learned this reading for yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

If you really want to get a larynx work out, go to とうきょう. It's loud, it's crowded, and you have to yell the entire time to get people to hear what you have to say. You also know 18 levels of kanji and you really want to shout them all out, which makes your voice box tired (but makes you happy).

Context

Context Sentences

あの方は耳鼻喉頭科の先生です。

That man is an otolaryngologist.

喉頭ガンは酒やタバコが原因で起こることが多い。

Laryngeal cancer is often caused by alcohol and tobacco.

彼は喉頭手術を受けましたが、声を失い、人工喉頭となりました。

He underwent laryngeal surgery, but lost his voice and was given an artificial larynx.

Kanji Composition