キャロル
kyaroru[kʲa̠ɾo̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "carol" can be translated into Japanese as キャロル (kyaroru).
The term refers to a religious or secular song sung at Christmastime.
Meaning: religious or secular song sung at Christmastime (noun)
Which one should you use?
While キャロル refers specifically to a carol, you may encounter other terms depending on the context. クリスマスソング is used to mean "Christmas song," and 賛美歌 is used to mean "hymn."
How do you pronounce it?
kyaroru
Did you know?
- In Japan, the concept of 'caroling' by going door-to-door is virtually unknown, so キャロル is almost exclusively used to describe the music itself rather than the activity.
- Because Christmas is largely a commercial and romantic holiday in Japan, キャロル is frequently associated with shopping mall decorations rather than church services.
- The word キャロル is written in katakana, a script used for foreign loanwords, signaling that the concept is viewed as an imported Western tradition.
Examples in context
- キャロルはスペイン語を勉強している。Carol is studying Spanish.Tatoeba #225830 by bunbuku, translation #63168 by CN
- アンかキャロルのどちらかが、その赤ちゃんの面倒を見ます。Either Ann or Carol is going to take care of the baby.Tatoeba #229618 by bunbuku, translation #66979 by CN
- キャロルは明日の８時までにはロンドンへと出発しているだろう。Carol will have left for London by eight tomorrow.Tatoeba #1172833 by bunbuku, translation #63158 by CN
- クリスマスソングを歌いたいですI want to sing Christmas carols.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about Christmas decorations and music at a shopping mall.
- 美咲 Misaki素敵なキャロルが流れているね。Sutekina kyaroru ga nagarete iru ne.A lovely carol is playing, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。とてもクリスマスらしいね。Hontou da. Totemo kurisumasu rashii ne.True. It feels very much like Christmas.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは、好きなキャロルはある？Kenta-san wa, sukina kyaroru wa aru?Kenta, do you have a favorite carol?
- 健太 Kenta定番の曲なら、どれも好きだよ。Teiban no kyoku nara, dore mo suki da yo.If it's a standard song, I like all of them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry キャロル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
