Translation guide
The English word "folk" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: referring to people in general, indicating traditional or cultural things, and describing a music genre.
Referring to people in a general, informal way, similar to "people" or "guys".
The standard word for "people" in general. Neutral and widely used.
Describing something as traditional, originating from the common people, or part of a culture's heritage.
Referring to the genre of folk music, often acoustic and traditional in style.
Loanword from English, used specifically for the music genre (e.g., American folk, Japanese folk).
The English phrase "my folks" (meaning parents or family) does not translate directly using any of the above. Use 両親 (りょうしん) for parents or 家族 (かぞく) for family.
There were a lot of folk in the town.
Used after a modifier to refer to a specific group of people, like "city folk" or "old folk".
田舎の人たちは親切だ。
Country folk are kind.
A somewhat rough or familiar term for a group of people, like "those guys" or "that bunch". Can be derogatory depending on context.
Can sound dismissive or rude. Use with caution.
あの連中はいつも遅れてくる。
Those folk are always late.
Refers to folk customs, traditions, or ethnology. Often used in compounds.
この地域の民俗音楽はとてもユニークだ。
The folk music of this region is very unique.
Specifically means "folk tale" or "folklore" (as stories).
祖母はよく民話を聞かせてくれた。
My grandmother often told us folk tales.
Refers to one's native place or local area; used for local folk culture, cuisine, etc.
郷土料理を楽しんだ。
We enjoyed the local folk cuisine.
彼はフォーク歌手として有名だ。
He is famous as a folk singer.
Traditional Japanese folk songs, often from specific regions. More specific than the Western folk genre.
祭りで地元の民謡を歌った。
We sang local folk songs at the festival.