Translation guide
The English word 'choir' can refer to a group of singers, the part of a church where they sit, or a group of similar instruments. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 合唱団 (がっしょうだん) for a singing group, but other terms exist depending on context.
choir (singing group)
choir (church singers)
A group of people who sing together, especially in a church or school.
The standard word for a choir as an organized group of singers. Used for school, community, and professional choirs.
She is in the school choir.
Specifically a church choir that sings hymns or religious music.
Loanword from English, used mainly for gospel choirs or in music industry contexts. Not as common as 合唱団.
The part of a church where the choir sits, usually near the altar.
A section of instruments in an orchestra or band, like a brass choir or woodwind choir.
Attach to instrument type to mean 'choir' or 'section'. For example, 金管群 (brass choir) or 木管群 (woodwind choir).
The brass choir plays an important role in this piece.
Literally 'chorus', but can be used metaphorically for a group of instruments, e.g., 弦の合唱 (a choir of strings).
合唱団 is a general choir, often secular or school-based. 聖歌隊 is specifically a church choir singing hymns. Use 聖歌隊 for religious contexts, 合唱団 otherwise.
コーラス (chorus) usually refers to the refrain of a song or a backing vocal group, not an organized choir. Saying コーラスに入っている might be understood as being in a chorus group, but 合唱団 is more precise for a choir.
I sing in a choir.
The choir performed beautifully.
合唱団の練習は毎週火曜日です。
Choir practice is every Tuesday.
日曜日の礼拝で聖歌隊が歌います。
The choir sings at Sunday service.
ゴスペルクワイアに参加したいです。
I want to join a gospel choir.
教会のクワイアにはパイプオルガンがあります。
There is a pipe organ in the church choir.
弦楽器の合唱が美しいハーモニーを奏でる。
The choir of strings plays a beautiful harmony.