The Nō Plays of Japan
Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary
An anthology of Japanese Noh plays translated into English by Arthur Waley, with introductions explaining their symbolism and history. The plays are short, poetic, and often focus on supernatural themes. Waley's translations are elegant yet accessible, offering learners exposure to refined language and cultural concepts. The brevity of each play makes them manageable for study.
Learn English with The Nō Plays of Japan
- Suits learners around level A2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- 5,284 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.
Questions about this book
Can I read The Nō Plays of Japan in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of The Nō Plays of Japan open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level A2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
