Japanese word

童謡

Pronunciation

Romajidōyō

Meaning

  • nounchildren's song

Example

子どものころ、童謡をよく歌いました。ko do mo no ko ro dō yō o yo ku uta i ma shi ta

I often sang children's songs when I was a child.

Illustration for 童謡 (children's song)

More examples

祖母が昔の童謡を教えてくれました。so bo ga mukashi no dō yō o oshi e te ku re ma shi ta

My grandmother taught me an old children's song.

Core concept

Refers to a song made for children to sing or hear, often with simple words and a memorable melody.

Common phrases

  • 童謡を歌うdō yō o uta u

    sing a children's song

  • 童謡を聞くdō yō o ki ku

    listen to a children's song

  • 童謡の歌詞dō yō no ka shi

    lyrics of a children's song

Similar words

唱歌shōka: A song taught and sung in school, often as part of music education.
わらべ歌warabeuta: A traditional folk song associated with children's play or daily life.
子守歌komoriuta: A gentle song used to lull a baby or young child to sleep.

Definition in Japanese

子ども向けに作られた歌。ko do mo mu ke ni tsuku ra re ta uta

Word origin

The compound 童 (dō, "child") and 謡 (yō, "song") forms 童謡 (dōyō), meaning a song associated with children.

Usage tips

  • In English, nursery rhyme often suggests a traditional rhyming verse, while children's song is broader and can refer to a melody-based 童謡 (dōyō).

Other meanings

  • nursery rhymenoun

Word lists with this word