歌詞
kashi[ka̠ɕi]
The English word 'lyrics' is translated into Japanese as 歌詞 (kashi). If unsure, use 歌詞. Wiktionary also lists リリック (ririkku).
Meaning: the words to a song (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 歌詞 | kashi | [ka̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| リリック | ririkku | [ɾʲiɾʲik̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term refers to the words of a song.
Which one should you use?
歌詞 is the standard Japanese word for song lyrics and is used in all contexts, from classical music to pop music. In contrast, リリック is a loanword used primarily in hip-hop culture to refer specifically to rap lyrics or the skill of a rapper's wordplay.
How does it change in a sentence?
歌詞 is a noun that can be used as both singular and plural in Japanese sentences.
How do you pronounce it?
kashi
Did you know?
- The word 歌詞 uses the kanji 詞, which is also used in the term 詞書 (kotoba-gaki), a traditional poetic preface used in classical Japanese literature.
- While 歌詞 refers to the text itself, a songwriter is often called a 作詞家 (sakushika), where the first part of the word literally means 'to make words'.
- In Japanese karaoke, the 歌詞 are often displayed as scrolling text that changes color in real time to help the singer keep pace with the melody.
Examples in context
- 歌詞がわかる？Do you know the lyrics?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows the 歌詞.Tatoeba #10550170 by small_snow, translation #6631126 by Eccles17
- その歌詞を忘れた。I forgot the lyrics.This sentence is useful for saying you forgot the 歌詞.Tatoeba #7462021 by Ninja, translation #7409893 by CK
- 歌詞はいいけど声が小さい。The lyrics are good, but the voice is quiet.This sentence is useful for commenting that the 歌詞 are good.Tatoeba #11045112 by KK_kaku_, translation #12033007 by Winter
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are listening to a new song in a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himariこの曲の歌詞、すごく素敵だね。Kono kyoku no kashi, sugoku suteki dane.The lyrics of this song are really lovely.
- 蓮 Renそうだね。言葉が心に響くよ。Sō dane. Kotoba ga kokoro ni hibiku yo.You're right. The words really resonate with the heart.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くんは、この歌詞の意味がわかる？Ren-kun wa, kono kashi no imi ga wakaru?Ren, do you understand the meaning of these lyrics?
- 蓮 Renうん、とても深いメッセージを感じるよ。Un, totemo fukai messēji o kanjiru yo.Yeah, I feel a very deep message.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lyrics” translations and entries 歌詞, リリック, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
