Translation guide
Ways to talk about a musical performance in Japanese, from concerts and recitals to playing an instrument or singing.
I went to a concert.
She gave a wonderful performance.
A public event where music is performed for an audience.
The most common word for a concert, especially for popular music, classical, or large-scale events.
I'm going to a concert with a friend next week.
Short for 'live performance'. Used for bands, pop, rock, and club gigs. Very common in casual speech.
A recital or concert, often for classical music or school performances. More formal than コンサート.
A music concert, often used for school events or community gatherings. Slightly old-fashioned.
The action of performing music on an instrument or singing.
General term for musical performance (playing an instrument). Can be used as a noun or combined with する to make a verb.
His piano performance is wonderful.
Singing, vocal performance. More formal than 歌うこと. Used in contexts like competitions or formal recitals.
To play a stringed instrument or piano. Use this for guitar, violin, piano, etc.
To play a wind instrument (flute, trumpet, etc.). Literally 'to blow'.
To play percussion instruments (drums, etc.). Literally 'to hit'.
Referring to the quality or style of a specific performance.
コンサート is the general term for any concert. ライブ implies a live band or pop/rock event, often in smaller venues. 演奏会 is more formal and often used for classical recitals or school performances.
演奏する is a formal way to say 'perform music'. In casual conversation, it's more natural to use the specific verb for the instrument (弾く, 吹く, 叩く) or simply 歌う for singing.
The musical performance lasted two hours.
I enjoy live performances.
Yesterday's live show was amazing.
I will hold a piano recital.
I will sing at the elementary school music concert.
I like playing the violin.
We evaluate singing ability.
Can you play the guitar?
You're good at playing the flute.
Playing the drums is fun.
彼女の熱演に感動した。
I was moved by her passionate performance.