クラシック音楽
kurashikku-ongaku[kɯ̟ɾa̠ɕi̥k̚kɯ̟ õ̞ŋɡa̠kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'classical music' is translated into Japanese as クラシック音楽 (kurashikku-ongaku). If unsure, use クラシック音楽. Wiktionary also lists 古典音楽 (koten-ongaku).
Meaning: the more serious forms of European and American music (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| クラシック音楽 | kurashikku-ongaku | [kɯ̟ɾa̠ɕi̥k̚kɯ̟ õ̞ŋɡa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 古典音楽 | koten-ongaku |
The term is used to refer to the more serious forms of European and American music.
What does it mean word for word?
The word クラシック音楽 is composed of two parts: クラシック, which is a transliteration of the English word 'classic' and 音楽 (ongaku), which means 'music'.
Which one should you use?
クラシック音楽 is the standard loanword version used in everyday conversation to refer to Western classical music. In contrast, 古典音楽 is used in more formal or academic contexts, often referring to 'classical' as a specific historical period or genre.
How do you pronounce it?
kurashikku-ongaku
Did you know?
- In Japan, クラシック is frequently used in the names of luxury cafes and salons to signal a sophisticated atmosphere, even if no music is playing.
- The kanji 音 in 音楽 represents 'sound' and 楽 represents 'comfort' or 'ease', suggesting that music is a sound that brings pleasure.
- While クラシック音楽 refers to Western music, the term 古典音楽 can also be used to describe traditional Japanese music from the imperial court or early theatrical styles.
Examples in context
- クラシック音楽が好きです。I like classical music.This sentence is useful for expressing that you like クラシック音楽.Tatoeba #225606 by bunbuku, translation #62942 by CK
- トムはクラシック音楽が好きだ。Tom is fond of classical music.This sentence shows how to state that Tom is fond of クラシック音楽.Tatoeba #8662641 by small_snow, translation #3399369 by Hybrid
- クラシック音楽は僕の好みじゃない。Classical music is not my cup of tea.This sentence is used to say that クラシック音楽 is not to your liking.Tatoeba #225604 by bunbuku, translation #62940 by CK
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは、どんな音楽を聴くんですか？Kenta-san wa, donna ongaku o kiku n desu ka?Kenta, what kind of music do you listen to?
- 健太 Kenta僕はクラシック音楽をよく聴きます。Boku wa kurashikku ongaku o yoku kikimasu.I listen to classical music often.
- 陽葵 Himari素敵ですね。私も大好きです。Suteki desu ne. Watashi mo daisuki desu.That's lovely. I love it too.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、最近何か聴きましたか？Himari-san wa, saikin nani ka kikimashita ka?Himari, have you listened to anything recently?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “classical music” translations and entries クラシック音楽, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
