メタル
metaru[me̞ta̠ɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, the phrase for metal music is メタル (metaru).
メタル is used to refer to the genre of loud rock music characterized by distorted guitars and powerful drumming. You may see メタルライブ used when advertising metal concerts.
Which one should you use?
While メタル is the standard term, ヘヴィメタル is the full term for heavy metal and is often used in more formal or descriptive contexts. You may also encounter the specific subgenre スラッシュメタル for Thrash metal.
How do you pronounce it?
metaru
Did you know?
- Some Japanese metal bands use メタル in a humorous way to create 'kawaii metal', a hybrid style that mixes heavy riffs with J-pop idol melodies.
- Japan has a unique subgenre known as ヴィジュアル系 (Visual Kei) where メタル elements are combined with elaborate costumes and makeup inspired by glam rock.
- If you are looking for metal-related merchandise, you might see the word メタル製品 (metaru seihin), but be careful: this refers to 'metal products' like tools or hardware rather than music.
Examples in context
- 弟はメタルが大好きです。Otouto wa metaru ga daisuki desu.My younger brother loves metal music.
- 昨日はメタルを聴いていました。Kinou wa metaru o kiite imashita.I was listening to metal yesterday.
- このバンドはメタルを演奏します。Kono bando wa metaru o ensou shimasu.This band plays metal music.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about their music tastes.
- 蓮 Ren結衣はどんな音楽が好き？Yui wa donna ongaku ga suki?Yui, what kind of music do you like?
- 結衣 Yui私はポップスが好き。蓮は？Watashi wa poppusu ga suki. Ren wa?I like pop. How about you, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren僕はメタルをよく聴くよ。Boku wa metaru o yoku kiku yo.I often listen to metal.
- 結衣 Yuiメタルは激しいね。Metaru wa hageshii ne.Metal is intense, isn't it?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry メタル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
