Translation guide
The English word 'song' generally refers to a musical piece with vocals. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 歌 (うた), but there are other terms depending on context, such as 曲 (きょく) for instrumental pieces or songs in general, and more specific words for genres or formal contexts.
The most common, everyday word for a song that is sung.
The default word for a song with vocals. Covers pop songs, folk songs, children's songs, etc. Very common and natural.
この歌を知っていますか？
Do you know this song?
彼女は美しい歌を歌った。
She sang a beautiful song.
Refers to a piece of music, often instrumental, but can also include vocal songs. Commonly used for pop songs, especially when talking about the music itself. Often used with 歌 to specify a vocal song: 歌の曲.
この曲はとても人気があります。
This song is very popular.
いい曲だね。
That's a good song.
Used in formal, academic, or technical contexts to refer to a musical work, often with a focus on the composition rather than the performance.
A formal term for a vocal music piece, especially in classical or art song contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
シューベルトの歌曲を演奏する。
Perform Schubert's songs.
A technical term for a musical composition, can be instrumental or vocal. Used in music theory or copyright contexts.
Japanese has many compound words for specific genres or types of songs.
Pop song, literally 'popular song'. Slightly dated; ポップス or J-POP are more common now.
彼は昔の流行歌が好きだ。
He likes old pop songs.
Children's song, nursery rhyme. Very common term.
National anthem.
Theme song (for a movie, TV show, etc.).
Insert song, a song played during a film or show, not the main theme.
When focusing on the act of singing rather than the song itself.
Singing, vocal performance. Formal, used in contexts like competitions or descriptions of singing ability.
彼女の歌唱力は素晴らしい。
Her singing ability is wonderful.
歌 (うた) specifically means a song with vocals, while 曲 (きょく) can refer to any piece of music, including instrumental. In casual conversation, 曲 is often used for pop songs, but 歌 is safer when you want to emphasize singing. If you say 'this song' while pointing to a music video, both are fine, but if you're talking about a melody without words, use 曲.
The loanword ソング exists but is not commonly used for ordinary songs. It appears mainly in compound words like テーマソング (theme song) or ヒットソング (hit song), but using it alone sounds unnatural. Stick to 歌 or 曲.
この楽曲は著作権で保護されています。
This song is protected by copyright.
子供たちは童謡を歌っている。
The children are singing nursery songs.
The national anthem played before the game.
このアニメの主題歌はとても有名です。
This anime's theme song is very famous.
映画の挿入歌が感動的だった。
The insert song in the movie was moving.