Translation guide
The English word "opus" refers to a major artistic work, especially in music, often numbered. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for musical works, literary works, or general masterpieces.
musical opus
Often used with a number, e.g., 作品27番 (Opus 27)
Referring to a specific musical work by a composer, often with an opus number.
General term for a work of art, music, or literature. Often used with a number to indicate opus number.
Beethoven's Opus 27
Means 'piece' or 'composition' in music. Can be used for a musical opus, though less formal than 作品.
This piece is his greatest opus.
Specifically a musical composition. More technical, used in formal contexts.
That musical composition has an opus number.
Referring to a significant work of art, literature, or other creative field, often a magnum opus.
Literally 'great work', used for a large-scale or ambitious creation in any art form.
This novel is his magnum opus.
Means 'masterpiece'. Emphasizes the quality and excellence of the work.
Refers to an author's main or most important work, similar to 'magnum opus' in a scholarly context.
作品 (sakuhin) is the most common and versatile term for a numbered opus in music, but also applies to art and literature. 曲 (kyoku) simply means 'piece' and is less formal. 楽曲 (gakkyoku) is a technical term for a musical composition, often used in academic or professional contexts.
opus number
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use a direct equivalent of 'opus'. Instead, they specify the type of work (e.g., 曲 for a song, 小説 for a novel) and may add 大作 or 傑作 to emphasize its scale or quality. For classical music, 作品 is standard when referring to opus numbers.
この絵は彼女の傑作と言われている。
This painting is said to be her opus.
This book is considered his opus.