歌手
kashu[ka̠ɕɨ]
The Japanese word for "singer" is 歌手 (kashu).
歌手 is used to refer to someone whose primary profession or identity is singing.
Meaning: person who sings (male or generic term) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 歌手 refers to a singer as a profession or a formal title, the loanword シンガー is often used in more modern, casual or Westernized contexts like J-pop or rock music. For those who sing covers of popular songs and upload them to websites or streaming platforms, the specific term 歌い手 is used. If you are talking about a lead singer within the context of a band or rock music, you might use the loanword ヴォーカリスト.
How do you pronounce it?
kashu
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the character for 'singer' 歌手 uses the character for 'hand' 手, which denotes a professional or someone skilled in a craft rather than a literal hand.
- The word 歌 meaning 'song' is also used in the phrase 歌舞伎 'Kabuki', where 'song' and 'dance' are combined to describe a total theater experience.
- While 歌手 is a general term, an artist who writes their own lyrics and music is often called a シンガーソングライター, utilizing three English loanwords in one phrase.
Examples in context
- 歌手なんですか？Are you a singer?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a 歌手.Tatoeba #8728733 by bunbuku, translation #1811325 by Ameer
- あの歌手、嫌い。I don't like that singer.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for a specific 歌手.Tatoeba #11746287 by small_snow, translation #11381025 by ddnktr
- 彼女は有名な歌手だ。She is a noted singer.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a noted 歌手.Tatoeba #86415 by bunbuku, translation #317296 by CC
- 彼女は有名な歌手です。She is a famous singer.
- 彼はロックの歌手だよ。He is a rock singer.
- 松本さんは本物の歌姫です。Ms. Matsumoto is a true songstress.
- あの歌手の歌声はすごいよ！That singer's voice is amazing!
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about music in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki好きな歌手はいますか？Suki na kashu wa imasu ka?Do you have a favorite singer?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、この歌手が大好きです。Hai, kono kashu ga daisuki desu.Yes, I love this singer.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんは歌が上手ですね。Yota-san wa uta ga jouzu desu ne.You are good at singing, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaそんなことないですよ。Sonna koto nai desu yo.That's not true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “singer” translations and entries 歌手, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
