小話・小咄・小噺|こばなしkobanashi[2]nakadaka (mid-high)
しょうわshouwa
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Which spelling to use
小話小話 is the most common of the three written forms, so learners are most likely to encounter it when reading or writing this word.
小咄小咄 is less common than 小話 but remains a written variant; learners may encounter it, though it is not the first form to choose.
小噺小噺 is less common than 小話 and 小咄; recognize it as a written variant, but do not choose it ahead of 小話 as a beginner.
Definitions
- nounanecdote
- nounbrief (comic) story
Synonyms & antonyms
- SynonymコントNeutralLoanword that centers on comedy sketches and skits performed by comedians, as in 「お笑いコント」, whereas 「小話」 is a brief amusing anecdote.
- Related短編たんぺんNeutralCovers short novels, poems and films, as in 「短編映画」, in both speech and writing; unlike 「小話」 it does not have to be funny.
- RelatedショートストーリーNeutralLoanword for a short story; a literary term for fiction valued simply for being short in length, with no comic nuance.
- Related掌編しょうへんWrittenA written, formal term for an extremely short story; stresses micro-fiction only a few pages long.
Use 「小話（小咄）」 for a brief amusing anecdote or joke, as in 「江戸小咄」. Pick 「コント」 for comedy sketches performed by comedians, and 「短編」 or 「掌編」 for short stories.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
