Translation guide
A ballad is a slow, emotional song, often telling a story. In Japanese, the English loanword バラード is common for modern pop ballads, while traditional narrative songs have their own terms.
To refer to a modern slow-tempo, sentimental song, especially in pop, rock, or R&B.
The most common and direct equivalent for a modern ballad. Used for slow, emotional songs in popular music.
Her new ballad is very moving.
Emphasizes the slow tempo. Often used to distinguish from upbeat songs.
This album has three slow ballads.
To refer to a folk song or poem that tells a story, often from older traditions.
Folk song; often narrative and passed down through generations. Covers many traditional Japanese songs.
This folk ballad tells a sad love story.
A more literary or academic term for a narrative ballad, especially in poetry or European traditions. Less common in everyday speech.
A general term for narrative musical forms in Japanese tradition, such as heike biwa or joruri. Not a direct translation of 'ballad' but fits the storytelling aspect.
To describe any slow, romantic song, not necessarily labeled as a ballad.
Specifically a love ballad. Common in music descriptions.
He wrote a love ballad for her.
Literally 'love song'. A natural, non-loanword way to refer to a romantic ballad.
Use バラード for modern pop/rock ballads (e.g., a power ballad). Use 民謡 for traditional folk songs that tell stories. バラッド is rare and mainly for academic/literary contexts about Western ballads.
イギリスの古いバラッドを研究している。
I'm studying old English ballads.
平家物語は語り物の一種です。
The Tale of the Heike is a type of narrative ballad.
This is my favorite love ballad.