Japanese word

名曲

Pronunciation

Romajimeikyoku

Meaning

  • nounmasterpiece

Example

これは名曲です。ko re wa mei kyoku de su

This is a masterpiece.

Illustration for 名曲 (masterpiece)

More examples

多くの音楽家がこの作品を名曲だと認めています。ō ku no on gaku ka ga ko no saku hin o mei kyoku da to mito me te i ma su

Many musicians recognize this work as a masterpiece.

Core concept

Describes a song or other musical composition that stands out for its excellence and becomes widely valued over time.

Common phrases

  • 名曲を聴くmei kyoku o ki ku

    listen to a masterpiece

  • 名曲を歌うmei kyoku o uta u

    sing a classic song

  • 名曲を作るmei kyoku o tsuku ru

    create a masterpiece

Similar words

傑作kessaku: A work of exceptional quality, especially one regarded as the finest of its creator's works.
名作meisaku: A highly acclaimed work in art or literature, including a musical composition.
秀作shūsaku: A work of notably high quality that shows strong skill and achievement.

Definition in Japanese

旋律や構成などが特に優れ、広く知られている音楽作品。sen ritsu ya kō sei na do ga toku ni sugu re hiro ku shi ra re te i ru on gaku saku hin

Word origin

名曲 (meikyoku, "masterpiece") is formed from 名 (mei, "fame") and 曲 (kyoku, "musical composition"), linking fame with a piece of music.

Usage tips

  • 名曲 (meikyoku) describes the work itself rather than a particular recording, so different performances can receive the same label.

Other meanings

  • classicnoun
  • great songnoun

Word lists with this word