Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

前奏曲 (ぜんそうきょく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

前ぜん奏そう曲きょく

ぜ

ん

そ

う

きょ

く

Meanings

1

noun

prelude; overture

music

A musical prelude or overture; can also be used figuratively for something that precedes a main event.

ショパンの前ぜん奏そう曲きょくはとても美うつくしい。
Chopin's preludes are very beautiful.
この曲きょく

は

オペラ

の

前ぜん

奏そう

曲きょく

と

し

て

演えん

奏そう

さ

れ

た

。

This piece was performed as the overture to the opera.

Kanji

前in front, before
奏play music, speak to a ruler, complete
曲bend, music, melody

Similar words

序じょ曲きょく
序曲 is more specifically an overture to an opera or large work, while 前奏曲 can be a standalone prelude or an introductory piece.
前ぜん奏そう
前奏 is a general term for a musical introduction or prelude, often shorter and less formal than 前奏曲.

Etymology

Compound of 前 (zen, 'before') + 奏 (sō, 'play music') + 曲 (kyoku, 'piece of music'). The word is a direct translation of the Western musical term 'prelude'.