デュオ
dyuo[dʲɨo̞]
The Japanese word for 'duo' is デュオ (dyuo).
The term デュオ is used to refer to any pair of two people.
Meaning: any pair of two people (noun)
Which one should you use?
The loanword コンビ is an informal way to describe a duo, especially in the entertainment industry.
How do you pronounce it?
dyuo
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word for a duo of two people, 二人組 futarigumi, which carries a slightly different nuance than デュオ. While デュオ sounds artistic, 二人組 can sometimes imply a pair of accomplices or a gang.
- While デュオ is used for musical pairs, Japanese people often use コンビ for comedy duos. This comes from the English word 'combination' and implies a seamless chemistry between two partners.
- Because デュオ is a Katakana loanword, it often carries a more sophisticated, Western, or artistic nuance compared to native Japanese terms for pairs.
Examples in context
- 私たちはふたり組です。We are a duo.
- あの二人は有名なコンビです。Those two are a famous duo.
- このデュオはとても人気があります。Kono dyuo wa totemo ninki ga arimasu.This duo is very popular.
- 新しいデュオが結成されました。Atarashii dyuo ga kessei saremashita.A new duo has been formed.
- 彼らは有名なデュオです。Karera wa yuumeina dyuo desu.They are a famous duo.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a music festival.
- 健太 Kentaあのデュオ、かっこいいよね。Ano dyuo, kakkoii yo ne.That duo is really cool, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、健太くんもそう思う？Un, Kenta-kun mo sou omou?Yeah, do you think so too, Kenta?
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんも気に入ったみたいだね。Yui-san mo kiniitta mitai da ne.It looks like you like them too, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui音楽がすごく素敵だったよ。Ongaku ga sugoku suteki datta yo.Their music was wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry デュオ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
