バンド
bando[bã̠ndo̞]
The English word "band" (as in a group of musicians) is translated into Japanese as バンド (bando). Wiktionary also lists 楽団 (gakudan).
Meaning: group of musicians (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| バンド | bando | [bã̠ndo̞] (narrow) |
| 楽団 | gakudan | [ɡa̠kɯ̟dã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
The word バンド refers to a band in general.
Which one should you use?
While バンド is a general term, 楽団 is used specifically for more formal or traditional musical ensembles, such as an orchestra or a brass band.
How do you pronounce it?
bando
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers often use the phrase バンドを組む to mean forming a band, which literally translates to 'assembling' or 'constructing' a band like a piece of furniture.
- A 'visual kei' バンド refers to a specific Japanese genre where the musicians prioritize elaborate costumes and makeup as much as the music itself.
- While バンド is used for rock or pop groups, the term 楽団 describes an ensemble where the 'pleasure' or 'comfort' of music is emphasized, as the character 楽 can mean both 'music' and 'ease'.
Examples in context
- ロックバンドに入りたいな。I want to be in a rock band.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to join a rock group using バンド.Tatoeba #10156092 by small_snow, translation #5193557 by CK
- 俺はバンドで演奏してるんだ。I play in a band.This sentence is useful for stating that you perform within a バンド.Tatoeba #188370 by bunbuku, translation #25513 by CK
- バンドエイドと薬をください。Could you send up a Band-Aid and some medicine?This sentence uses バンド in the context of a Band-Aid.Tatoeba #197759 by small_snow, translation #34947 by mcq
- 私たちは バンド で音楽活動をしています。We are involved in musical activities with our band.
- この 楽団 は国内外で高い評価を受けています。This orchestra is highly acclaimed nationally and internationally.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about music at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しいバンドを組みたいんだ。Atarashii bando o kumitai nda.I want to start a new band.
- 結衣 Yuiどんなバンドになりたいの？Donna bando ni naritai no?What kind of band do you want to be?
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣の好きなジャズ系かな。Yui no suki na jazu kei kana.Maybe a jazz style like the one you like, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは楽しそうだね！Sore wa tanoshisou da ne!That sounds like fun!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “band” translations and entries バンド, 楽団, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
