歌曲
kakyoku[ka̠kʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English word melody is translated into Japanese using several terms. If unsure, use 歌曲 (kakyoku). Wiktionary also lists 旋律 (senritsu).
Meaning: sequence of notes that makes up a musical phrase (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 歌曲 | kakyoku | [ka̠kʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 旋律 | senritsu | [sẽ̞n̺ɾʲit͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term refers to a sequence of notes that makes up a musical phrase.
Which one should you use?
While both 歌曲 and 旋律 can mean melody, 旋律 (senritsu) is a more technical and formal term used in music theory or academic contexts. Additionally, the word 曲調 refers to the overall tonal quality, tune or composition of a melody.
How do you pronounce it?
kakyoku
Did you know?
- The kanji in 旋律 (senritsu) contains the character 旋, which means 'to rotate' or 'to whirl'. This reflects the ancient view of a melody as a winding or curving line of sound.
- When referring to a 'catchy' melody, Japanese speakers often use the term 耳に残る (mimi ni nokoru), which literally means 'it remains in the ear'.
- In certain traditional Japanese music contexts, the concept of a melody is inseparable from the rhythm, often referred to as 節 (fushi).
Examples in context
- この曲のメロディーは美しいですね。The melody of this song is beautiful, isn't it?
- この曲の曲調がよく分からない。I can't quite grasp the tune of this song.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about a song in the music room.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、この歌曲を聴いて。Yota-kun, kono kakkyoku o kiite.Yota, listen to this melody.
- 陽太 Yotaとてもきれいな歌曲だね。Totemo kireina kakkyoku da ne.It's a very beautiful melody, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiいいでしょ？自分で作ったんだよ。Ii desho? Jibun de tsukutta n da yo.Good, right? I wrote it myself.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいね。美咲は天才だ。Sugoi ne. Misaki wa tensai da.Amazing. Misaki, you are a genius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “melody” translations and entries 歌曲, 旋律, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
