Jokotoba (序詞), literally meaning "preface word", is a figure of speech found in discourse related to Japanese waka poetry.
Jokotoba expressions are set before certain words, and make use of wordplay through similes, kakekotoba and homonyms.
The makurakotoba is closely related to the jokotoba as a figure of speech in Japanese waka poetry.
aki dzukeba / obana ga ue ni / oku tsuyu no / kenubeku mo a wa / omo-oyuru kamo Translation: When it becomes fall the dew on the silver grass disappears, just so I might pine away in longing for you.
kaze fukeba / okitsu shiranami / tatsuta yama / yowa ni ya kimi ga hitori koyuran Translation: When the wind blows the high surf mounts the shore, as you must be crossing over Mount Tatsuta alone this night.