インストゥルメンタル
insuturumentaru[ĩɰ̃sɨtɯ̟ɾɯ̟mẽ̞nta̠ɾɯ̟]
The English word "instrumental" (referring to a musical composition without lyrics) is translated into Japanese as インストゥルメンタル (insuturumentaru).
In Japanese, the term can refer to a noun (a composition without lyrics) or an adjective (relating to musical instruments). While the loanword version is common, the term バッキングトラック (backing track) is specifically used to describe instrumental accompaniments meant for karaoke or live musical performances.
Meaning: composition without lyrics (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term can be expressed in several ways depending on the context: インストゥルメンタル is the full loanword, while インスト is a common abbreviation used in casual conversation and music media. For highly formal or academic settings, the term 器楽 can be used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
insuturumentaru
Did you know?
- The Japanese word 器楽 (kigaku) used for 'instrumental music' shares the character 器, which also means 'vessel' or 'tool', highlighting the idea that instruments are the 'tools' of music.
- In the context of J-pop, an インスト version of a song is often released as a 'B-side' or 'bonus track' on a physical single, a tradition that persists more strongly in Japan than in other global markets.
- In Japanese music stores, 'instrumental' tracks are often categorized under the label インスト曲 (insuto-kyoku), adding the character for 'song' or 'piece' to the abbreviation.
Examples in context
- この曲は楽器だけのバージョンです。This song is the instrumental version.
- 彼はバッキングトラックで歌っています。He is singing with a backing track.
- インストゥルメンタルを聴くのが好きです。Insutorumentaru o kiku no ga suki desu.I like listening to instrumentals.
Example conversation
Daito and Himari are discussing a music track.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの歌、歌なしのインストゥルメンタルはあるかな？Kono uta, uta nashi no insuturumentaru wa aru kana?I wonder if there is an instrumental version of this song without vocals?
- 陽葵 Himariたぶんアルバムに入っていると思うよ。Tabun arubamu ni haitte iru to omou yo.I think it's probably on the album.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、最後にインストゥルメンタルがあるね。Hontou da, saigo ni insuturumentaru ga aru ne.You're right, there's an instrumental at the end.
- 陽葵 Himariいい曲だから、聴いてみて。Ii kyoku dakara, kiite mite.It's a great track, so give it a listen.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry インストゥルメンタル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
