Japanese word

歌

Pronunciation

Romajiuta

Meaning

  • nounsong

Example

この歌が好きです。ko no uta ga su ki de su

I like this song.

Illustration for 歌 (song)

More examples

家族とこの歌を聞きます。ka zoku to ko no uta o ki ki ma su

I listen to this song with my family.

この歌を毎朝聴いています。ko no uta o mai asa ki i te i ma su

I listen to this song every morning.

Core concept

Centers on the human voice shaped by melody and rhythm, either as an act or as the musical work it produces.

Common phrases

  • 歌をうたうuta o u ta u

    sing a song

  • 歌を聴くuta o ki ku

    listen to a song

  • 歌が好きuta ga su ki

    like songs

  • 歌を覚えるuta o obo e ru

    learn a song

  • 歌を口ずさむuta o kuchi zu sa mu

    hum a song

Similar words

曲kyoku: A musical piece that may include vocals or instruments.

Definition in Japanese

声に旋律やリズムをつけて表現すること。また、そのために作られた作品。koe ni sen ritsu ya ri zu mu o tsu ke te hyō gen su ru ko to ma ta so no ta me ni tsuku ra re ta saku hin

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 歌 (uta, "song") shares its old root with 歌う (utau, "to sing"), linking the name of a song with the act that creates it.

Usage tips

  • 歌 (uta) usually points to the vocal element, while 曲 (kyoku, "musical piece") can also refer to instrumental music.

Other meanings

  • singingnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word