Music plays a significant role in Japanese culture, just as it does in many others around the world. For language learners, understanding music-related terms can enhance both your vocabulary and your ability to engage with Japanese music. Here’s a look at some essential music-related terms and expressions in Japanese.
音楽 (Ongaku) – Music
This term is used to refer to music in general. It can be used to talk about music as an art form or any musical activity.
私は音楽を聞くことが好きです。
楽器 (Gakki) – Musical instrument
This word is used to describe instruments used to produce music.
彼はいろいろな楽器を演奏できます。
歌 (Uta) – Song
A simple term for a song, this can refer to any song, whether it’s a pop hit or a traditional folk song.
彼女は美しい歌を歌いました。
歌詞 (Kashi) – Lyrics
The words of a song are referred to as ‘kashi’. When learning Japanese, understanding song lyrics can be an enjoyable way to practice.
この歌の歌詞はとても意味が深いです。
メロディー (Merodī) – Melody
The melody of a song, a sequence of musical notes that are musically satisfying.
その曲のメロディーが頭から離れない。
リズム (Rizumu) – Rhythm
This refers to the pattern of sounds in the time of a musical piece, a fundamental aspect of music.
この曲はリズムが速いです。
コンサート (Konsāto) – Concert
A performance given by musicians or singers. It can be a great way to experience music culturally and linguistically.
昨夜のコンサートはすばらしかったです。
アルバム (Arubamu) – Album
A collection of recordings, usually on a CD, record, or online, that are sold as a single unit.
彼の新しいアルバムを買いました。
バンド (Bando) – Band
A group of musicians who play music together, especially rock or pop music.
彼らのバンドはとても人気があります。
演奏 (Ensō) – Performance (musical)
The act of performing music in front of an audience. It can also refer to the performance of a single musician.
彼女はピアノの演奏が得意です。
音楽家 (Ongakuka) – Musician
Someone who plays a musical instrument or is musically talented.
彼は有名な音楽家になりたいと思っています。
作曲家 (Sakkyokuka) – Composer
A person who writes music, especially as a professional occupation.
彼は多くの映画音楽の作曲家です。
指揮者 (Shikisha) – Conductor
A person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir.
指揮者がオーケストラを素晴らしくリードしました。
練習 (Renshū) – Practice
The action or process of performing an activity or exercise regularly in order to improve one’s proficiency.
毎日ピアノを練習しています。
音階 (Onkai) – Scale
A series of musical notes ordered by pitch.
彼は音階を弾く練習をしています。
調子 (Chōshi) – Tune
The state of being correctly tuned or the condition of the pitches in music. It can also refer to the mood of a piece of music.
そのバイオリンは調子が良くないです。
和音 (Waon) – Chord
A group of notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony.
彼はギターで和音を弾いています。
Understanding these terms not only deepens your enjoyment of Japanese music but also enhances your overall language skills. Whether you’re discussing your favorite バンド (band) or practicing 練習 (practice) on an instrument, these terms can help you articulate your musical experiences and interests in Japanese.
