歌を歌う
uta o utau
To sing a song in Japanese is 歌を歌う (uta o utau).
The phrase 歌を歌う is used to describe the act of performing a piece of music using the voice. In many contexts, Japanese speakers may simply use the verb 歌う (to sing) without explicitly mentioning 歌 (song) if the context is already clear.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 歌 (uta), which means song and the verb 歌う (utau), which means to sing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 歌を歌う uses the particle を (o) as an object marker to connect the song to the verb "to sing".
How do you pronounce it?
uta o utau
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are singing a 'karaoke song', you would use the word カラオケ (karaoke), which is a Japanese portmanteau of the words for 'empty' and 'orchestra'.
- The verb 歌う (utau) is used not just for singing melodies, but can also be used metaphorically in Japanese to mean 'to praise' or 'to celebrate' someone's virtues.
- In Japanese, the word for 'song' (uta) can also refer to a 'poem' in certain classical contexts, reflecting a history where music and poetry were inseparable.
Examples in context
- 私は母が歌を歌うのを聞いたことがない。I've never heard my mother sing a song.Tatoeba #152872 by bunbuku, translation #261674 by CK
- 先生、歌を歌ってください。Teacher, please sing a song.
- お客様、歌っていただけませんか。Guest, could you possibly sing a song?
- 子供は公園で歌を歌う。Kodomo wa kouen de uta o utau.The child sings a song in the park.
- 彼女はステージで美しい歌を歌う。Kanojo wa suteeji de utsukushii uta o utau.She sings a beautiful song on the stage.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about a karaoke plan.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんはカラオケで歌を歌うのが好き？Ren-kun wa karaoke de uta o utau no ga suki?Ren, do you like to sing a song at karaoke?
- 蓮 Renうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yes, I love it.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、今度一緒に歌おう！Jaa, kondo issho ni utaou!Then, let's sing together next time!
- 蓮 Renいいよ、楽しみだね。Ii yo, tanoshimi da ne.Sure, I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
