Translation guide
A small box that plays a tune when opened, often used as a decorative item or gift.
The most common way to refer to a musical box in Japanese.
The standard Japanese word for 'musical box', borrowed from Dutch 'orgel' (organ). Used in everyday conversation.
彼女にオルゴールをプレゼントした。
I gave her a musical box as a present.
このオルゴールはとてもきれいな音がする。
This musical box makes a very beautiful sound.
A literal translation of 'musical box', but less common than オルゴール. May be used in formal or descriptive contexts.
アンティークの音楽箱を収集している。
I collect antique musical boxes.
When you need to specify a particular kind of musical box, such as a hand-cranked one.
A hand-cranked musical box. Use when the mechanism is important.
手回しオルゴールを回すと、懐かしいメロディーが流れる。
When you crank the hand-cranked musical box, a nostalgic melody plays.