1. Diminutive:
- This is the most common meaning. It adds a sense of cuteness, smallness, or endearment to a noun.
- Examples:
- neko (cat) + -ko = neko-ko (little cat)
- hana (flower) + -ko = hana-ko (little flower)
- uma (horse) + -ko = uma-ko (little horse)
2. Female name suffix:
- It's commonly used in female given names, adding a feminine touch.
- Examples:
- Hanako (flower child)
- Yukiko (snow child)
- Akiko (autumn child)
3. Place names:
- Sometimes, "-ko" is part of place names, often indicating a small village or town.
- Examples:
- Shibuya-ko (a district in Tokyo)
- Matsuyama-ko (a city in Ehime Prefecture)
4. Other meanings:
- In some specific cases, "-ko" can have other meanings. For example, in the word "genkō" (原稿, manuscript), "-ko" is part of the kanji for "original."
It's important to note that the meaning of "-ko" can be nuanced and depend on the specific context and the word it's attached to. Understanding the overall context of the word and the surrounding words can help you determine the meaning of "-ko" more accurately.