Translation and Meaning of: 歌手 - kashu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the country's culture, you may have come across the word 歌手 (かしゅ). It is common in song lyrics, TV programs, and even in everyday conversations. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it and interesting facts about how it is perceived in Japan. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to master the language.

The meaning and translation of 歌手 is "singer."

The word 歌手 (かしゅ) means "singer." It is composed of two kanji: 歌 (か), which means "song," and 手 (しゅ), which can be translated as "hand" or "person who performs something." Together, they form the term that designates someone who sings professionally. Unlike more informal terms, such as 歌い手 (うたいて), which can also mean "singer," 歌手 carries a more formal and professional tone.

In Japan, 歌手 is widely used to refer to artists who record music, participate in TV shows, or perform at events. Whether in J-pop, enka, or other genres, the word is neutral and can be applied to any singer, regardless of musical style. For example, when someone says "あの歌手は有名です" (あの かしゅ は ゆうめい です), it means "That singer is famous."

The origin and cultural use of 歌手

The etymology of 歌手 dates back to the period when kanji were adapted from Chinese to Japanese. The kanji 歌 was already used in ancient China to represent music and sung poetry, while 手 was added to indicate the person who performs the action. This combination reflects the importance of music in Japanese culture, from the times of courtiers reciting poems to modern artists.

In contemporary Japan, 歌手 is a commonly used word, especially in the media. TV programs like "NHK紅白歌合戦" (NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen) often use the term to refer to the participants. Furthermore, in animes and dramas, it's common to see characters who dream of becoming 歌手, demonstrating how this career is valued in Japanese society.

Tips for memorizing and curiosities about 歌手

An effective way to memorize 歌手 is to associate the kanjis with their function. Think of 歌 (song) + 手 (person who does) = "person who sings". Another tip is to listen to songs by Japanese singers and pay attention when the word appears in lyrics or interviews. Artists like Utada Hikaru and Kenshi Yonezu are often referred to as 歌手 in the press.

An interesting fact is that, although 歌手 is a general term, some music subgenres have specific words for their singers. For example, a singer of enka (traditional Japanese music) can be called 演歌歌手 (えんか かしゅ). This detail shows how the Japanese language adapts terms for specific contexts without losing clarity.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 歌唱家 (Kashōka) - Professional singer, specialist in singing.
• 歌喉 (Kagoe) - Singer's voice, vocal quality.
• 歌姫 (Utahime) - Song princess, famous and talented singer.
• 歌人 (Kashin) - Poet, songwriter.
• 歌手業 (Kashugyō) - Singer profession.
• 歌手育成 (Kashu Ikusei) - Singers training.
• 歌手養成 (Kashu Yōsei) - Professional training for singers.
• 歌手界 (Kashukai) - The world of singers, music industry.
• 歌手歌唱 (Kashu Kashō) - Song of Songs, musical performance.
• 歌手活動 (Kashu Katsudō) - Activities of a singer.
• 歌手デビュー (Kashu Debyū) - Debut of a singer.
• 歌手デビューシングル (Kashu Debyū Shinguru) - Debut single of a singer.
• 歌手デビュー曲 (Kashu Debyū Kyoku) - Debut song of a singer.
• 歌手グループ (Kashu Gurūpu) - Singers group.
• 歌手コンサート (Kashu Konsāto) - Concert of singers.
• 歌手コンテスト (Kashu Kontesuto) - Singing contest.
• 歌手キャリア (Kashu Kyaria) - Singer's career.
• 歌手アイドル (Kashu Aidoru) - Idol singer.
• 歌手アルバム (Kashu Arubamu) - Album of a singer.
• 歌手アーティスト (Kashu Ātisuto) - Artist singer.
• 歌手活躍 (Kashu Katsuyaku) - Performance of a singer, highlight in the career.
• 歌手業界 (Kashu Gyōkai) - Singing industry, music market.
• 歌手出演 (Kashu Shutsuen) - Participation of a singer in events.
• 歌手オーディション (Kashu Ōdishon) - Audition for singers.
• 歌手オリジナル曲 (Kashu Orijinaru Kyoku) - Original music by a singer.
• 歌手カバー曲 (Kashu Kabā Kyoku) - Cover song performed by a singer.

歌手

Romaji: kashu
Kana: かしゅ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: singer)

Meaning in English: singer

Definition: A person who sings and expresses music.

Example Sentences - (歌手) kashu

See below some example sentences:

私は歌手になりたいです。

Watashi wa kashu ni naritai desu

I want to become a singer.

I want to be a singer.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 歌手 - Japanese noun that means "singer" or "musical artist"
• に - particle that indicates the function or objective of an action, in this case, "to become"
• なりたい - Japanese verb in the present tense and affirmative form that means "to want to become"
• です - Japanese verb in the present tense and polite form that functions as an auxiliary verb to indicate courtesy or formality in communication