Translation guide
The music accompanying a film, game, or other media. In Japanese, the most common term is サウンドトラック, often abbreviated to サントラ. For the original score, 劇伴 is used, especially in professional contexts.
The collection of music used in a film, TV show, game, etc., often released as an album.
The standard loanword for 'soundtrack'. Used for commercial soundtrack albums.
この映画のサウンドトラックはとても人気があります。
The soundtrack for this movie is very popular.
Common abbreviation of サウンドトラック. Casual and widely used in conversation.
あのゲームのサントラ、最高だよね。
That game's soundtrack is awesome, isn't it?
Refers specifically to the background music composed for a film, drama, or stage production. More technical than サウンドトラック.
このドラマの劇伴は有名な作曲家が手がけています。
The soundtrack for this drama was composed by a famous composer.
The instrumental background music composed specifically for a film or game, as opposed to licensed songs.
The standard term for original score in film/TV/game contexts. Often used by creators and fans.
劇伴の作曲を担当しました。
I was in charge of composing the original score.
Full phrase for 'original soundtrack', often seen on album covers. Abbreviated as OST.
オリジナルサウンドトラックが発売されました。
The original soundtrack has been released.
English abbreviation 'OST' used in Japanese, pronounced as letters. Common among enthusiasts.
このOSTは名曲揃いだ。
This OST is full of great tracks.
Music playing in the background of a scene, store, or event, not necessarily an official soundtrack release.
Abbreviation of 'background music', widely used in Japanese. Refers to any background music, not just film scores.
店内のBGMがうるさい。
The background music in the store is too loud.
Literal translation of 'background music', but rarely used. BGM is overwhelmingly more common.
背景音楽が流れている。
Background music is playing.
サウンドトラック usually refers to the commercial soundtrack album, which may include songs and score. 劇伴 specifically means the instrumental background music composed for the production. If you want to talk about the music within the film itself, 劇伴 is more precise.
サウンドトラックには主題歌も収録されている。
The soundtrack includes the theme song as well.
劇伴がシーンの雰囲気を盛り上げる。
The score enhances the atmosphere of the scene.