Japanese word

演歌

Pronunciation

Romajienka

Meaning

  • nounenka

Example

母は演歌をよく聞きます。haha wa en ka o yo ku ki ki ma su

My mother often listens to enka.

Illustration for 演歌 (enka)

More examples

父は車の中で演歌を歌っています。chichi wa kuruma no naka de en ka o uta tte i ma su

My father is singing enka in the car.

Core concept

Refers to Japanese popular songs that express the sorrows and joys of life through a distinctive, emotionally shaded singing style.

Common phrases

  • 演歌を聴くen ka o ki ku

    listen to enka

  • 演歌を歌うen ka o uta u

    sing enka

Definition in Japanese

日本で発達した、哀調を帯びた節回しで人生の悲哀などを歌う大衆歌謡。nihon de hat tatsu shi ta ai chō o o bi ta fushi mawa shi de jin sei no hi ai na do o uta u tai shū ka yō

Word origin

The term 演歌 (enka) comes from 演説歌 (enzetsuka), combining 演説 (enzetsu, "speech") and 歌 (ka, "song") for songs used in Meiji-period political campaigns.

Usage tips

  • In English-language music writing, enka is usually kept as a genre name because no single English label captures its combination of Japanese popular-song traditions and expressive vocal style.

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