Translation guide
Music played quietly in the background of a place, video, or event. In Japanese, the most common term is BGM (ビージーエム), a loanword from English. Other terms exist for specific contexts like film scores or ambient music.
The learner wants to refer to music playing softly in the background of a public space, video, or event.
The most common and natural way to say 'background music' in Japanese. Used in everyday conversation for music in stores, videos, games, etc. Stands for 'Background Music'.
このカフェのBGMは落ち着くね。
The background music in this café is relaxing, isn't it?
I'm looking for background music that fits the video.
A more literal translation, but less common than BGM. Used in formal or technical contexts, such as in written descriptions or academic papers.
この映画の背景音楽は有名な作曲家が担当した。
The background music for this film was composed by a famous composer.
The learner wants to refer to the musical score composed specifically for a movie, TV show, or game.
Refers to the soundtrack of a film, game, or TV show. Often used for the official release of the music. Can be abbreviated as サントラ.
この映画のサウンドトラックは本当に素晴らしい。
The soundtrack for this movie is truly wonderful.
Short for 劇中伴奏 (incidental music). Specifically refers to the background music composed for a drama, film, or TV show. Common in industry and fan discussions.
The learner wants to refer to atmospheric music or soundscapes, often without a clear melody, used to create a mood.
Literally 'environmental music'. Refers to ambient music as a genre, or music designed to blend into a space. Not used for general background music in videos.
彼は環境音楽のアルバムをいくつか出している。
He has released several ambient music albums.
In almost all casual and semi-formal situations, BGM (ビージーエム) is the natural choice. Using 背景音楽 may sound overly literal or stiff.
BGMの音量を下げてもらえますか？
Could you turn down the background music?
BGM refers to background music in any context (store, video, game). サウンドトラック specifically refers to a published soundtrack album or the collection of songs from a media production. If you are talking about the music you hear during a movie scene, BGM is fine; if you are talking about buying the CD, use サウンドトラック.
The background music in this anime enhances the atmosphere.