Translation guide
The act or art of producing musical sounds with the voice. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 歌 (うた), which can refer to both the act of singing and a song itself. The verb 'to sing' is 歌う (うたう). There are also more specific terms for vocal music, chanting, and performance styles.
歌うことが好きです。
I like singing.
彼女は歌声がきれいです。
She has a beautiful singing voice.
The act of singing, or singing as an activity or art form.
The most common word for 'singing' or 'song'. Can refer to both the act and the piece. Often used in compounds.
彼女は歌が上手です。
She is good at singing.
歌のレッスンを受けています。
I'm taking singing lessons.
A more formal or technical term for 'singing', often used in contexts like vocal performance, competitions, or music education.
歌唱力を向上させる方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to improve my singing ability.
Specifically refers to classical vocal music, such as opera or art songs. Used in academic or professional music contexts.
彼は声楽を専攻しています。
He is majoring in vocal music.
The action of producing musical sounds with the voice.
The nominalized form of the verb 歌う (to sing). This is the most direct way to express 'singing' as an activity.
歌うことはストレス解消になります。
Singing helps relieve stress.
人前で歌うことが苦手です。
I'm not good at singing in front of people.
The verb 'to sing'. Often used in its plain form in casual contexts, or with こと/の to nominalize.
Singing along to recorded music, especially in a karaoke setting.
The most common way to say 'singing karaoke'. カラオケ refers to the activity or venue.
週末は友達とカラオケで歌います。
On weekends, I sing karaoke with friends.
To sing passionately or enthusiastically, often used in karaoke or live performance contexts.
彼はマイクを握って熱唱した。
He grabbed the mic and sang his heart out.
Singing in a monotone or chant-like manner, often in religious or traditional contexts.
To chant or recite, especially prayers, sutras, or spells. Not used for melodic singing.
僧侶がお経を唱えている。
The monk is chanting sutras.
To chant or recite poetry or songs in a traditional, rhythmic manner. Very literary.
The vocalization of birds, often described as 'singing' in English.
The chirping or singing of small birds. The verb is さえずる.
朝、鳥のさえずりで目が覚めた。
I woke up to the singing of birds in the morning.
General term for animal cries, including bird songs. Can be used for 'singing' when context is clear.
歌 refers to singing or songs with melody, while 詩 refers to poetry or poems without music. Using 詩 for 'singing' would be incorrect.
彼は詩を書くのが好きですが、歌は歌いません。
He likes writing poetry but doesn't sing.
The verb 歌う already means 'to sing', so 歌を歌う (to sing a song) is often redundant but can be used for emphasis or clarity. In casual speech, 歌う alone is sufficient.
歌うと幸せな気持ちになります。
Singing makes me happy.
隣の部屋から歌声が聞こえた。
I heard singing from the next room.
Let's sing together.
He chanted a Chinese poem.
I can hear the singing of a bush warbler.