Japanese word

民謡

Pronunciation

Romajimin'yō

Meaning

  • nounfolk song

Example

祖母は民謡を歌います。so bo wa min yō o uta i ma su

My grandmother sings folk songs.

Illustration for 民謡 (folk song)

More examples

地域の祭りで民謡を聴きました。chi iki no matsu ri de min yō o ki ki ma shi ta

I listened to folk songs at a local festival.

Core concept

Describes a traditional song passed from person to person, often preserving the customs and feelings of a particular region.

Common phrases

  • 民謡を歌うmin yō o uta u

    sing folk songs

  • 民謡を聴くmin yō o ki ku

    listen to folk songs

  • 民謡の歌詞min yō no ka shi

    folk song lyrics

Similar words

俚謡riyō: A folk song passed down within a local community.
俗謡zokuyō: A popular song or verse circulated among the general public, often without a known author.

Definition in Japanese

民衆の間で昔から歌い継がれてきた、地域や暮らしに結び付いた歌。min shū no aida de mukashi ka ra uta i tsu ga re te ki ta chi iki ya ku ra shi ni musu bi tsu i ta uta

Word origin

The compound 民謡 (min'yō) joins 民 (min, "people") with 謡 (yō, "song"), linking the word to songs handed down among ordinary people.

Usage tips

  • In Japan, 民謡 (min'yō) often refers to regional songs associated with local work, festivals, dances, or other community traditions.

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