Translation guide
The biwa is a traditional Japanese short-necked lute, often used in narrative storytelling and classical music. This entry covers how to refer to the instrument, its music, and related cultural contexts.
琵琶
biwa (the instrument)
Referring to the biwa as a musical instrument
The standard Japanese word for the biwa lute. Used in all contexts.
She plays the biwa.
Talking about biwa music, playing, or performances
Means 'biwa performance' or 'playing the biwa'.
琵琶の演奏を聴きました。
I listened to a biwa performance.
A piece of music for biwa.
この琵琶曲は有名です。
This biwa piece is famous.
Referring to a person who plays the biwa
A formal term for a biwa player or performer.
彼は有名な琵琶奏者です。
He is a famous biwa player.
Historical term for blind biwa-playing monks who recited epic tales. Used in historical or literary contexts.
琵琶法師が平家物語を語った。
The biwa hōshi recited the Tale of the Heike.
Referring to the tradition of narrating stories with biwa accompaniment
The art of narrating stories while playing the biwa, especially the Tale of the Heike.
琵琶語りは日本の伝統芸能です。
Biwa storytelling is a traditional Japanese performing art.
Specifically the musical narration of the Tale of the Heike with biwa.
平曲は琵琶で演奏されます。
Heikyoku is performed with the biwa.
Distinguishing between different kinds of biwa
The biwa used in gagaku (court music).
楽琵琶は雅楽で使われます。
The gakubiwa is used in gagaku.
A type of biwa from the Satsuma region, known for its powerful, dramatic style.
薩摩琵琶は力強い音が特徴です。
The Satsuma biwa is characterized by its powerful sound.
A type of biwa from the Chikuzen region, with a more lyrical and refined style.
筑前琵琶は女性奏者に人気があります。
The Chikuzen biwa is popular among female players.
The word 'biwa' can also refer to the loquat fruit (枇杷, びわ). Context usually makes it clear, but if ambiguity arises, specify 楽器の琵琶 (がっきのびわ, musical instrument biwa) or 果物の枇杷 (くだもののびわ, fruit biwa).