Translation guide
BPM (beats per minute) is a musical term used to indicate tempo. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to using the English abbreviation 'BPM' or the full phrase. This guide covers how to express and discuss BPM in Japanese.
Referring to beats per minute as a unit of tempo in music
The most common way to refer to BPM in Japanese. It is used as a loanword and understood by musicians and music enthusiasts.
この曲のBPMは120です。
This song's BPM is 120.
The Japanese word for 'tempo'. While not a direct translation of BPM, it is often used in contexts where BPM is implied. Use this when discussing the speed of a piece more generally.
Literally 'speed of the beat'. This is a more descriptive phrase that can be used to explain BPM to someone unfamiliar with the term, but it is not commonly used in everyday music conversation.
拍子の速さは数字で表します。
The speed of the beat is expressed in numbers.
Please increase the tempo.