Japanese word

歌謡

Pronunciation

Romajikayō

Meaning

  • nounsong

Example

日本の歌謡について学んでいます。nihon no ka yō ni tsu i te mana n de i ma su

I am studying Japanese songs.

Illustration for 歌謡 (song)

More examples

地域の祭りでは昔から伝わる歌謡が披露されます。chi iki no matsu ri de wa mukashi ka ra tsuta wa ru ka yō ga hi rō sa re ma su

Songs passed down through the generations are performed at local festivals.

Core concept

Centers on a sung work whose melody and words are shared with listeners.

Common phrases

  • 歌謡を聴くka yō o ki ku

    listen to songs

  • 歌謡の名曲ka yō no mei kyoku

    famous song

Similar words

歌曲kakyoku: A vocal piece that combines a musical melody with words.
歌uta: Music with words intended to be sung by one or more voices.
流行歌ryūkōka: A popular song that spreads widely among the public.
歌謡曲kayōkyoku: A Japanese popular song shaped by the established style of commercial vocal music.

Definition in Japanese

人々に広く親しまれている歌曲や流行歌。hito bito ni hiro ku shita shi ma re te i ru ka kyoku ya ryū kō ka

Word origin

歌謡 (kayō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 歌 (ka, "song") and 謡 (yō, "chant"), combining two ideas related to singing.

Usage tips

  • In English, "ballad" often suggests a narrative or slow romantic song, so it does not cover every use of 歌謡 (kayō).

Other meanings

  • balladnoun

Related words

  • 歌謡性kayōseisong qualitynoun

Word lists with this word