ラップ
rappu[ɾa̠p̚pɯ̟]
The Japanese word for "rap" is ラップ (rappu).
The term ラップ refers to the concept of rap. You can use it in several ways: to refer to the genre as ラップ音楽 (rap music), to describe a specific piece of music as ラップ曲 (rap song) or to describe the action of performing rap.
Meaning: to speak lyrics in the style of rap music (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun as a verb meaning "to perform rap", you must add the verb suru to the noun ラップ to form ラップする. Alternatively, you can use the phrase ラップをする to express the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
rappu
Did you know?
- The Japanese phrase ラップを刻む 'rappu o kizamu' literally means to carve or chop a rap, referring to the act of hitting the beat precisely.
- The pronunciation of ラップ is identical to the Japanese word for 'wrapping' a gift or 'wrapping' something up. This can lead to puns in Japanese hip-hop lyrics involving the concept of 'wrapping' a beat.
- The word ラップ is a homonym in Japanese, meaning it can refer to rap music, plastic cling wrap or a lap in a race.
Examples in context
- ラップは好き？Do you like rap?This sentence is useful for asking someone about their musical preferences regarding ラップ.Tatoeba #897041 by bunbuku, translation #2310 by CK
- このラップ曲は本当に素晴らしいですねThis rap song is really amazing, isn't it?
- 彼は上手にラップをしますHe raps skillfully.
- 彼女はラップ音楽の熱狂的なファンですShe is a passionate fan of rap music.
- 彼は速くラップをします。Kare wa hayaku rappu o shimasu.He raps quickly.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about their hobbies.
- 蓮 Ren蓮は何か得意なことはある？Ren wa nanika tokui na koto wa aru?Ren, is there anything you are good at?
- 美咲 Misaki実は、ラップができるんだよ。Jitsu wa, rappu ga dekiru nda yo.Actually, I can rap.
- 蓮 Renえっ、本当？今やってみて！E, hontō? Ima yatte mite!What, really? Try doing it now!
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。じゃあ、ラップするね。Ii yo. Jā, rappu suru ne.Okay. Well, I'll rap then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ラップ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ラップ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
