Translation guide
A mixture or assortment of things, especially in music, food, or events. Japanese uses different words depending on what is mixed.
A piece of music made by combining parts of different songs or tunes.
The most common and direct loanword for a musical medley. Used in pop, classical, and event contexts.
A dish or assortment of various foods combined or served together.
A diverse collection or combination of things, not limited to music or food.
English 'medley' is often used loosely for any mixture, but Japanese equivalents are more context-specific. For a simple mixture, consider 混ぜる (to mix) or 混合 (mixture) instead of trying to use a noun like メドレー.
色を混ぜて新しい色を作る。
Mix colors to create a new color.
ディズニーの名曲メドレーを演奏しました。
We performed a medley of famous Disney songs.
Literally 'suite'. Used for classical music or a set of pieces performed together, often with a thematic connection.
バレエ組曲『くるみ割り人形』が好きです。
I like the ballet suite 'The Nutcracker'.
Used to describe something as being in medley form, e.g., a medley-style performance.
この曲はメドレー形式で構成されています。
This piece is structured in a medley format.
A platter or assortment of different foods, like a mixed appetizer or sashimi platter. Common in restaurants.
刺身の盛り合わせを注文しました。
I ordered a sashimi medley (assorted sashimi platter).
Loanword 'mix', used for mixed items like nuts, vegetables, or snacks. Less formal than 盛り合わせ.
ナッツのミックスを買った。
I bought a medley of nuts (mixed nuts).
An assortment or combination, often used for food or other items arranged together. Slightly formal.
季節の野菜の取り合わせが美しい。
The medley of seasonal vegetables is beautiful.
A miscellaneous collection or hodgepodge. Can imply a random or haphazard mixture. Often used neutrally or slightly negatively.
この展覧会は古今東西の寄せ集めだ。
This exhibition is a medley of works from all times and places.
A jumble or mishmash, often used for things mixed together in a disorderly way. Casual.
引き出しの中はごちゃ混ぜだ。
The drawer is a medley (jumble) of stuff.
A mixture or blend, often used in formal contexts like 'mixed team' or 'hybrid'. Not common for everyday medley.
混成チームで大会に出場した。
We participated in the tournament with a medley (mixed) team.