Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for a musical note depends on context: the written symbol, the sound/pitch, or a note in a scale. The most common general term is 音符 (onpu).
The graphical symbol representing a note on a staff.
General term for a musical note symbol. Used in everyday contexts, music education, and sheet music.
この音符は何の音ですか？
What note is this?
楽譜に音符を書く。
Write notes on the score.
Less common variant of 音符, also meaning musical note symbol. Mostly interchangeable but 音符 is preferred.
音譜を読む練習をする。
Practice reading musical notes.
The actual sound, tone, or pitch produced by an instrument or voice.
General word for sound. When context is clear, it can mean a musical note or tone.
ピアノの音がきれいだね。
The piano notes are beautiful.
この音は高すぎる。
This note is too high.
Refers to musical interval or pitch of a note. Used when discussing accuracy of pitch.
A specific note name in Western music theory.
In everyday Japanese, notes are often referred to by solfège names (do, re, mi). Use the appropriate syllable.
この曲は「ド」で始まる。
This song starts on the note C.
「レ」の音を弾いてください。
Please play the note D.
Technical term for note name (C, D, E, etc.). Used in formal music theory contexts.
音名で言うと、これはCです。
In terms of note names, this is C.
One instance of a sound in a sequence.
Literally 'one sound/note'. Used to count or emphasize a single note.
一音一音丁寧に弾く。
Play each note carefully.
音符 (onpu) refers to the written symbol, while 音 (oto) refers to the actual sound. Use 音符 when talking about sheet music, and 音 when talking about the sound you hear.
楽譜に音符がたくさんある。
There are many notes on the score.
このピアノは高い音が出ない。
This piano doesn't produce high notes.
音程が合っていない。
The note is off-pitch.