Have you ever found yourself wanting to know the name of a Japanese song that you just can’t get out of your head? Whether you’re curious about the latest J-pop hit or a traditional Japanese tune, this guide will provide you with the necessary phrases and tips to ask “What song is this?” in Japanese. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to ask the question and provide various examples along the way. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way:
When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as in a professional or respectful context, you would use the phrase “What song is this?” as follows:
“この曲は何と言いますか？” (Kono kyoku wa nanto iimasu ka?)
In this phrase, “この曲” (kono kyoku) means “this song,” “何” (nanto) means “what,” and “言いますか” (iimasu ka) is the polite form of “to say.” So, when combined, the phrase literally translates to “What do you say this song is?”
Informal Way:
When talking to friends, family, or peers in a casual setting, you would use a more informal phrase to ask “What song is this?” Here’s how:
“この曲は何て言うの？” (Kono kyoku wa nante iu no?)
In this phrase, “この曲” (kono kyoku) still means “this song,” “何て” (nante) is a colloquial form of “what,” and “言うの” (iu no) is the casual way to say “to say.” Therefore, this phrase can be translated as “What do you say this song is?” in a more relaxed manner.
Additional Tips and Examples:
1. Song Identification:
If you want to be more specific while asking about a particular song, you can use the phrase “which song is this?” instead of “what song is this?”. Here’s how:
“どの曲ですか？” (Dono kyoku desu ka?)
You can use this expression in both formal and informal situations. It simply translates to “Which song is this?” and can help you ask for specific songs if you have any in mind.
2. Providing Context:
When asking someone to identify a song, it can be helpful to provide some context. For example, if you want to ask “What song is playing right now?” or “What’s the name of this song?” you can use the following phrases:
“今流れている曲は何と言いますか？” (Ima nagarete iru kyoku wa nanto iimasu ka?) or
“この曲の名前は何ですか？” (Kono kyoku no namae wa nan desu ka?)
The first phrase translates to “What is the name of the song that is playing now?” and the second one translates to “What’s the name of this song?” Both expressions can be used formally or informally.
3. Asking for Help:
If you’re having trouble remembering a song’s name or if you only know a few lyrics, you can ask for assistance by saying:
“この曲の名前を教えてください。” (Kono kyoku no namae o oshiete kudasai.)
This phrase means “Please tell me the name of this song.” It is a polite way to request help in identifying a song when you have limited information.
4. Describing the Song:
When you can’t recall any specific details about the song, but you can hum a tune or describe its style or genre, you can utilize phrases such as:
“この曲は、ポップスっぽいんだけど、名前が思い出せないんです。” (Kono kyoku wa, poppusuppoi ndakedo, namae ga omoidasenain desu.)
This statement means “This song sounds like pop, but I can’t remember its name.” By providing additional information about the song’s characteristics, it might be easier for others to identify it.
5. Online Resources and Apps:
Lastly, if you’re in a situation where you can’t ask someone directly, you can take advantage of various online resources and apps for song identification. Some popular options in Japan are:
- Shazam (シャザム)
- EKIBEN (駅弁)
- KASHINAVI (歌詞ナビ)
- JOYSOUND (ジョイサウンド)
These platforms allow you to use your smartphone to recognize and discover the names of Japanese songs.
In Conclusion:
By using the phrases and tips provided in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently ask “What song is this?” in Japanese. Remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the situation and provide any additional context or descriptions to help others identify the desired song. So go ahead and explore the rich musical landscape of Japan!
