音楽をかける
ongaku o kakeru
To play music in Japanese is 音楽をかける (ongaku o kakeru).
The phrase 音楽をかける is used specifically when you are starting a recording of music using a device, such as a phone or a speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 音楽 (ongaku), meaning music.
How do you pronounce it?
ongaku o kakeru
What mistakes should you avoid?
For example, 演奏する means to perform and 弾く is strictly for playing an instrument.
Did you know?
- The verb used in 音楽をかける (ongaku o kakeru) is the same verb used when you 'hang' a picture on a wall or 'put on' a pair of glasses.
- In many public spaces like cafes, people prefer the phrase 音楽を流す (ongaku o nagasu), which literally translates to 'to let music flow'.
- To 'turn up' the volume of music, Japanese speakers use 上げる (ageru), which literally means 'to lift'.
Examples in context
- スマホで音楽をかける。sumaho de ongaku o kakeru.Play music on a smartphone.
- パーティーで音楽をかける予定です。pātī de ongaku o kakeru yotei desu.I plan to play music at the party.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are cleaning their room together.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太、音楽をかけてもいい？Yōta, ongaku o kakete mo ii?Yota, can I play some music?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。何がいいかな。ii yo. nani ga ii kana.Sure. I wonder what would be good.
- 美咲 Misaki明るい音楽をかけるね。akarui ongaku o kakeru ne.I'll play some upbeat music.
- 陽太 Yotaお願い。気分が上がるね。onegai. kibun ga agaru ne.Please do. It'll lift our spirits.
