歌
[ɯ̟ta̠]
In Japanese, 'singing' can be translated as 歌.
歌 is used to refer to the concept of singing or to a song. To express the specific action of performing the act of singing, the verb 歌う is used.
Meaning: the act of using the voice to produce musical sounds, vocalizing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 歌 is commonly used in casual contexts to mean 'singing', its primary literal meaning is 'song'. For a more technical or formal description of a vocal performance or the artistic act of singing, the term 歌唱 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 歌 refers to the song itself or the concept of singing, while the verb form 歌う is required to express the actual action of singing.
Did you know?
- The term 歌い手 refers to a 'singer', but in modern internet culture, it specifically describes people who cover songs on sites like Niconico without showing their faces.
- Traditional Japanese poetry, such as 和歌 or 'waka', was originally meant to be sung rather than read silently.
- The verb 歌う can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to praise' or 'to extol' something, similar to how one might 'sing the praises' of a hero in English.
Examples in context
- 歌い続けて。Keep singing.This sentence shows how to use the concept of singing in an imperative.Tatoeba #3506589 by arnab, translation #2111638 by CK
- 僕は歌い続けた。I continued singing.This sentence illustrates the continuous action of singing in the past tense.Tatoeba #81979 by bunbuku, translation #410606 by CK
- 私は歌が好きだ。I like singing.This sentence demonstrates expressing a preference for singing.Tatoeba #2226313 by tommy_san, translation #256533 by CK
- 彼女の歌唱は素晴らしいですHer singing is wonderful.
- 今日のカラオケで歌おうよ！Let's sing at the karaoke today!
- 彼はアイドルの曲を歌っていますHe is singing an idol song.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking about their hobbies.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんは、歌が上手ですね。Youta-kun wa, uta ga jouzu desu ne.Yota, you are good at singing.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。でも、歌は練習が必要です。Arigatou. Demo, uta wa renshuu ga hitsuyou desu.Thanks. But singing requires practice.
- 美咲 Misakiいつから歌を始めたの？Itsu kara uta o hajimeta no?When did you start singing?
- 陽太 Yota子供の頃から歌が好きでした。Kodomo no koro kara uta ga suki deshita.I have liked singing since I was a child.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 歌, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
