Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for 'singer' is 歌手 (かしゅ). However, the best choice depends on context: whether you mean a professional vocalist, a member of a band, or someone singing informally.
Referring to someone who sings professionally, such as a pop star, opera singer, or recording artist.
The standard, neutral word for a professional singer. Works for any genre.
She is a famous singer.
歌手になりたいです。
I want to become a singer.
Loanword from English 'vocalist'. Often used for the lead singer of a band or group, especially in pop/rock contexts.
あのバンドのボーカリストはすごく上手い。
The vocalist of that band is really good.
Loanword from English 'singer'. Often used in compound terms like シンガーソングライター (singer-songwriter) or in music industry contexts.
彼はシンガーソングライターです。
He is a singer-songwriter.
Specifically a classical vocalist or opera singer. Formal and technical.
彼女は声楽家としてオペラで活躍している。
She is active in opera as a classical vocalist.
Specifying the main singer in a band or idol group.
Commonly used in J-pop and band contexts to refer to the lead vocalist.
彼がこのグループのメインボーカルです。
He is the main vocalist of this group.
Similar to メインボーカル, also means lead vocalist.
リードボーカルを担当しています。
I am in charge of lead vocals.
Describing someone who is currently singing, like at karaoke or a casual performance.
Literally 'person who is singing'. Use this when you don't mean a professional singer, just someone singing right now.
あそこで歌っている人は誰ですか？
Who is that person singing over there?
A more general 'person who sings', but less natural than 歌っている人 for a specific instance.
歌う人がいなくて困った。
We were in trouble because there was no one to sing.
Referring to singers of traditional Japanese music, such as enka or folk songs.
Specifically an enka singer. Enka is a genre of sentimental Japanese ballads.
彼は有名な演歌歌手です。
He is a famous enka singer.
A singer of traditional folk songs (min'yō).
民謡歌手が祭りで歌った。
A folk singer sang at the festival.
歌手 implies a professional singer. If you say '彼は歌手です' about a friend who just sings at karaoke, it sounds like you're claiming they are a professional. Use 歌っている人 or describe the action instead.
彼は歌が上手い。
He is good at singing.
歌手 is the safest, most general term. ボーカリスト emphasizes the role in a band. シンガー is a loanword often used in compound words or trendy contexts, but can sound slightly affected if used alone.