Translation and Meaning of: 曲 - kyoku

The Japanese word 曲[きょく] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to song lyrics and discussions about art. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore its different aspects, including translation, origin, and cultural applications. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and accurate explanations for those who wish to understand the language in depth.

Meaning and translation of 曲[きょく]

In its most basic form, 曲[きょく] means "music" or "song." However, its meaning can extend to "melody" or even "musical piece," depending on the context. This word is often used in compositions such as 曲名[きょくめい] (song title) or 作曲[さっきょく] (musical composition).

It is worth noting that 曲 can also mean "curve" or "bend" when read as まがる or まげる, but this is a different interpretation of the same kanji. To avoid confusion, pay attention to the context in which the word appears, as the reading and meaning change completely.

Origin and use of the kanji 曲

The kanji 曲 is composed of the radical 曰 (which indicates "to speak" or "to say") and the component 木 (which means "wood"). Originally, it represented the idea of something twisted or curved, which explains its dual meaning. Over time, it also became associated with melodies, possibly due to the idea of "sound lines" that move in curves.

In modern Japanese, 曲[きょく] is widely used in musical contexts. You will find it in song lyrics, TV programs about artists, and even in informal conversations about favorite bands. Its frequency of use is high, especially in discussions about entertainment and pop culture.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 曲[きょく] is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think about how songs have "curves" in their melodies, rising and falling in different tones. This mental image can help reinforce the kanji and its main meaning.

Additionally, an interesting fact is that many anime and Japanese dramas use 曲 in the titles of episodes or soundtracks. If you are a fan of Japanese culture, paying attention to these details can naturally and enjoyably enhance your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 楽曲 (gakyoku) - Musical composition, usually a more formal piece.
• 音楽 (ongaku) - Music, in general, covering all styles and genres.
• 作品 (sakuhin) - Work, which may refer to any type of artistic creation, including music.
• 作曲 (sakkoku) - Composition, the act of creating a musical piece.
• メロディー (merodī) - Melody, the sequence of notes that forms a musical line.

曲

Romaji: kyoku
Kana: きょく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: music; musical

Meaning in English: tune;piece of music

Definition: A combination of sounds represented by a musical score designed to create music.

Example Sentences - (曲) kyoku

See below some example sentences:

この曲はとても美しいです。

Kono kyoku wa totemo utsukushii desu

This song is very beautiful.

This song is very beautiful.

• この曲 - "kono kyoku" means "this music"
• は - "wa" is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• とても - "totemo" means "very"
• 美しい - "utsukushii" means "beautiful".
• です - "desu" is a polite form of saying "to be" or "to exist"

テンポが速い曲が好きです。

Tenpo ga hayai kyoku ga suki desu

I like songs with a fast tempo.

I like songs with a fast tempo.

• テンポ - rhythm
• が - subject particle
• 速い - fast
• 曲 - music
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

私は作曲が大好きです。

Watashi wa sakkyoku ga daisuki desu

I love to compose music.

I love composition.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 作曲 (sakkyoku) - noun that means "musical composition"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved" or "adored"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject