name
Kyoto
KYOH-toh
name
1
The former imperial capital of Japan, now a major city on Honshu famous for its temples, gardens, and traditional culture.
"They spent a week in Kyoto visiting shrines and bamboo groves."
"Kyoto served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years before Tokyo took over the role."
2
Short for the Kyoto Protocol, the international treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"The country ratified Kyoto but struggled to meet its targets."
"Kyoto set legally binding emissions limits for participating nations."
How to Use Kyoto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishJapan's historic former capital city, or, in policy contexts, shorthand for the Kyoto climate treaty.
Common pairings
the Kyoto Protocol
visit Kyoto
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They spent a week in _____ visiting shrines and bamboo groves.
Etymology
From Japanese 京都 (Kyōto), literally "capital city."