Translation guide
The English word 'cadence' refers to rhythm, flow, or a sequence of sounds or movements. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on whether you mean musical rhythm, speech intonation, poetic meter, or a general sense of rhythmic flow.
The regular beat or pattern of sound, especially in music.
The most common and general word for 'rhythm' in music, dance, or any patterned sound. It covers the basic sense of 'cadence' as a rhythmic pattern.
この曲のリズムが好きです。
I like the rhythm of this song.
Refers to musical time or beat, often used in the context of keeping time or the meter of a piece. More technical than リズム.
A more literary or technical term for rhythmic movement or pulsation, often used in poetry or dance. Not common in everyday speech.
The rise and fall of the voice in speaking, or the natural rhythm of language.
The measured flow of words in poetry, often with a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.
The standard term for poetic meter or prosody. It refers to the rhythmic structure of verse.
A regular, repeated pattern of movement, such as in running, cycling, or natural cycles.
The go-to word for any rhythmic pattern, including physical movements like pedaling or breathing.
A sequence of chords that brings a phrase to a close, especially in classical music.
The direct loanword for musical cadence, used in classical music theory. It specifically means a chord progression that ends a phrase.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'cadence'. Using リズム is safe for most general contexts, but for speech or poetry, choose a more specific term.
リズム is the broadest term for rhythm in music, movement, or general patterns. 抑揚 is specifically about vocal pitch variation. 韻律 is a technical term for poetic meter. Use カデンツ only for the musical theory concept.
彼女の声の抑揚は心地よかった。
The cadence of her voice was soothing.
彼はリズミカルな調子で話した。
He spoke with a rhythmic cadence.
その詩の韻律は不規則だ。
The poem's cadence is irregular.
拍子をとる。
Keep the beat.
詩の律動が美しい。
The cadence of the poem is beautiful.
Refers specifically to intonation, modulation, or the rise and fall of the voice in speech. It captures the melodic quality of spoken cadence.
彼の話し方には抑揚がない。
His way of speaking lacks cadence.
Tone or manner of speaking, including rhythm and pitch. Often used to describe the overall feel of someone's speech.
語調を強めて話す。
Speak with a stronger cadence.
A natural phrase meaning 'the rhythm of one's speech'. It's a straightforward way to express speech cadence without a specialized term.
彼女の話し方のリズムは心地よい。
The cadence of her speech is pleasant.
この詩は韻律が整っている。
This poem has a well-ordered cadence.
Also used for poetic rhythm, though less technical than 韻律. It's more accessible for general discussion.
俳句のリズムを感じる。
Feel the cadence of the haiku.
走るリズムをつかむ。
Find your running cadence.
Can mean rhythm, pace, or condition. In contexts like 'cycling cadence', it implies a steady pace or rhythm.
一定の調子でペダルをこぐ。
Pedal at a steady cadence.
Often used for tempo or pace, especially in sports or music. It can overlap with 'cadence' when referring to speed of repetition.
ランニングのテンポを上げる。
Increase your running cadence.
このカデンツは完全終止だ。
This cadence is a perfect authentic cadence.
A music theory term for a cadence or ending form. Less common than カデンツ in modern usage.
終止形の種類を学ぶ。
Learn the types of cadences.